Memorable roles of the late actor David Warner: beyond Titanic and Star Trek

British actor David Warner, known for many roles in theater, film, and on TV, died at the age of 80 in late July 2022.

The BBC described him as "a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years."

(Image: David Warner with colleague Cherry Jones at the premiere of 'Major Barbara,' 2001)

The actor had suffered from a cancer-related illness for about 1.5 years.

Though he may have been a loveable man in person, David Warner often worked to appear detestable on the big and small screen. The actor is remembered for his frequent roles as the villain, for example in James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster 'Titanic.'

Warner played Spicer Lovejoy, the right-hand man of Caledon Hockley (Billy Zane) as he pursued his fiancée Rose (Kate Winslet) across the sinking ship.

In the 1960s, he had become known to film audiences as 'Morgan - a Suitable Case for Treatment.' Warner's talent was immediately recognized, as he received a Bafta nomination for the part.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where he graduated in 1961, the actor had begun his career in theater. He was acclaimed for his roles of Henry VI and Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Among his famous on-screen characters was that of photographer Keith Jennings in the supernatural thriller 'The Omen.'

His role as Pomponius Falco in the miniseries 'Masada' earned Warner an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor.

The actor is also remembered for playing Ed Dillinger and Sark in the sci fi adventure film 'TRON.' Alongside Jeff Bridges and Cindy Morgan, he starred in what became known as one of the first films with computer-generated imagery.

Sticking to the science fiction genre, David Warner made several appearances in the 'Star Trek' franchise. He was St. John Talbot in 'Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.'

Later, he returned to 'Star Trek' in different identities, first as Klingon Chancellor Gorkon in 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country' (1991), and then as Cardassian Gul Madred in two episodes of the TV series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' (1992).

David Lynch's legendary series 'Twin Peaks' saw the actor as Thomas Eckhardt, a South African businessman who added to the troubles of the town by attacking the local saw mill and its people.

TV audiences may remember him as Kenneth Branagh's father in 'Wallander,' and through supporting and guest roles in 'Midsomer Murders,' 'Penny Dreadful' and 'Ripper Street.'

His last role on screen was a memorable one. As Admiral Boom in Mary Poppins Returns (photo, right) Warner played an eccentric neighbor of the Banks family who lit a cannon to mark every hour. His sidekick was Mr. Binnacle, played by Jim Norton.

Besides a guest appearance in the TV series 'Doctor Who' in 2013, David Warner performed several times in audio versions of the science fiction series. He played an alternative Doctor, appearing in the universes of other Doctor Whos and their aides. The 60th anniversary of the show, with his final role as The Doctor, is set to come out posthumously.

Image: BBC

David Warner left behind "his beloved partner" Lisa Bowerman - whose voice some will know from the 'Doctor Who' audio series - as well as "his much-loved son Luke and daughter-in-law Sarah, his good friend Jane Spencer Prior, his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends," the BBC cited from the family statement. "He will be missed hugely by us."