Jack May

Jack May was a mellifluous-voiced actor best known for playing butlers and establishment figures, often representing Britain's interests in far-flung corners of the empire. With regards the former, he memorably played William E. Simms, former music hall artise turned manservant to Gerald Harper's titular swashbuckling adventurer in '60s TV cult classic Adam Adamant Lives! as well as providing the voice of Igor, the long-suffering valet in Cosgrove Hall's 1980s animation Count Duckula.

His film credits included the district commissioner in 1975's The Man Who Would Be King and the prosecuting naval attorney in the remake of The Bounty (1984). For many, May was Nelson Gabriel 'the most disreputable character in Ambridge' in BBC Radio 4's long-running soap The Archers. May took the role of the shady rogue, later antique dealer and wine bar owner, in 1952 and continued to play him right up until the year of his death, 1997.

This 45 year stint made May, at the time, the fourth-longest serving soap opera star in the world. He died at the age of 75, on 19 September 1997, survived by his wife, the actress Petra Davies, his daughter Henrietta, and son David.

Jack May is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Count Duckula (1988), Target (1977), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), No Hiding Place (1959), Doctor Who (1963), The Avengers (1961), The Wednesday Play (1964), Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983).

The recorded credits span 1950 to 1990, including 1 movie and 27 TV shows. The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles.

This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.