From Rising Damp to King Lear: The enduring versatility of Don Warrington
In short: Born in Trinidad and raised in Newcastle, Don Warrington has spent decades as a fixture of British television and theatre. From his breakout role in a classic sitcom to commanding the stage in Shakespearean tragedy, his career reflects a rare ability to inhabit both light comedy and heavy, ancient drama.
Don Warrington, born Don Williams in 1951, began his acting journey in repertory theatre at age 17. After training at the Drama Centre London, he adopted his professional surname from the street where he spent his youth. His early career was defined by his portrayal of Philip Smith in the popular ITV sitcom Rising Damp, a role he held from 1974 until 1978. This performance established him as a recognizable face in British homes, leading to a diverse array of television appearances in series ranging from the crime drama C.A.T.S. Eyes to the political thriller House of Cards.
Beyond his screen work, Warrington has cultivated a significant reputation as a stage actor, performing with prestigious institutions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His range is perhaps best illustrated by his work with the Talawa Theatre Company. In 2013, he starred in an acclaimed all-black revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, and in 2016, he took on the demanding title role in King Lear. Critics praised his performance as Lear, describing his portrayal as possessing both magnetic power and a sense of ancient, elemental authority.
Warrington's career also includes notable forays into voice work, reality television, and long-running series. Since 2011, he has portrayed the police commissioner in the BBC's Death in Paradise, a role that has kept him in the public eye for over a decade. His versatility extends to his 2008 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, where he sought to challenge himself by learning a new discipline. Appointed an MBE in 2008, Warrington remains a prolific presence, moving seamlessly between the intimate medium of radio, the demands of the stage, and the broad reach of television.
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