Nigel Stock (born Nigel Hector Munro Stock on 21 September 1919 in Malta - 23 June 1986). was a British actor of stage, screen, radio and television, who played major character roles in many films and television dramas.
Stock was born in Malta and grew up in India before attending St Paul's School, London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he earned the Leverhulme Exhibition, Northcliffe Scholarship, and the Principal's Medal.
He made his debut stage appearance in 1931 and during his career achieved numerous classical and contemporary credits at various distinguished theaters, including the Old Vic and on Broadway, with productions of The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, She Stoops to Conquer, Uncle Vanya and Sleuth. In 1937 he made his first credited film appearance in Lancashire Luck.
His acting career was interrupted by wartime service between 1939 and 1945 with the London Irish Rifles and the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army in Burma, China and Kohima. He was honourably discharged with the rank of Major, having twice been mentioned in despatches.
His start in films came with uncredited bit parts in The Man Who Could Work Miracles and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. His film appearances included popular releases such as Brighton Rock (1947), The Dam Busters (1954), The Great Escape (1963), The Lion in Winter (1968), and Russian Roulette (1975).
Between 1964 and 1968, Nigel Stock became a household name in the UK for his portrayal of Dr. Watson in a series of Sherlock Holmes dramas for BBC television. Later in life, he portrayed the mentor of Sherlock Holmes in Young Sherlock Holmes. His other numerous television credits included Owen MD (1970), Doctor Who (1982), Yes Minister (1982), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) and The Pickwick Papers (1985) as Mr. Pickwick.
He died of a heart attack at the age of 66.
