Essentially, Joss Ackland had seven children with his wife Rosemary, thirty-two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Ackland was married to Rosemary Kirkcaldy. The duo married in 1951 after their paths crossed in Scotland while Joss was performing in a play.
Who was Joss Ackland?
Joss Ackland was an English actor who appeared in more than 130 film, radio, and television roles. He was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for portraying Jock Delves Broughton in White Mischief (1987).
Joss Ackland bio
Joss’ full name is Sidney Edmond Jocelyn Ackland. He was born in North Kensington, London, on February 29, 1928. His father, Major Sydney Norman Ackland, was an Irish journalist who had been sent to England to live with an aunt due to his scandalous affair with their maid.
However, he ended up seducing his aunt’s maid, Ruth Izod, whom he eventually married. Ackland received his training at the Central School of Speech and Drama, under the guidance of Elsie Fogerty. During that time, the school was located at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
At the age of 23, Ackland married Rosemary Kirkcaldy on August 18, 1951. Kirkcaldy was also an actress, and their romance blossomed while they were performing together on stage in Pitlochry, Scotland. The early years of their marriage were challenging, as Ackland’s acting career was still in its early stages.
In 1954, the couple decided to move to Lilongwe, which was then known as Nysaland and is now called Malawi. Ackland took on the role of managing a tea plantation for six months, but due to safety concerns, they eventually relocated to Cape Town, South Africa. Although they both found steady-acting jobs in South Africa, they returned to England in 1957 after two years.
Joss Ackland career
At the young age of 17, he made his professional debut on stage after attending London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. He starred in the 1945 production of The Hasty Heart and later joined the Old Vic, where he acted alongside renowned actors such as Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Tom Courtenay. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Ackland worked consistently in television and film. In the 1980s, his career progressed with significant roles in movies like The Sicilian, Lethal Weapon 2, The Hunt for Red October, and White Mischief. He also appeared in various television shows, including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Hogfather. Ackland even played C.S. Lewis in the television adaptation of Shadowlands before it became a stage play and a theatrical film. Additionally, his voice was heard reading quotations in several episodes of Jacob Bronowski’s documentary series The Ascent of Man. Ackland’s stage performances included creating the role of Juan Perón in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita, as well as starring in the London production of Stephen Sondheim’s and Hugh Wheeler’s A Little Night Music with Jean Simmons and Hermione Gingold.
Joss Ackland cause of death and obituary
The family of the British actor announced that he passed away at the age of 95, as reported by the BBC. The actor, who had an extensive career in both stage and screen, was surrounded by his loved ones and passed away peacefully. He was a cherished father and had been married to his wife Rosemary for over five decades until her passing in 2002.
The family statement said: “With his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Ackland brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his role.
“He will be remembered as one of Britain’s most talented and beloved actors.”
How many children did Joss Ackland have?
With his wife Rosemary, Joss Ackland essentially has seven children, thirty-two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. In marriage, Ackland married Rosemary Kirkcaldy. They met in Scotland when Joss was doing a play, and they were married in 1951.
