Phil McCall (born Philip McColl; 26 November 1925 – 29 January 2002) was a Glaswegian actor who appeared in numerous films and television productions over a 40-year period.

Phil McCall
Born(1925-11-26)26 November 1925
Died29 January 2002(2002-01-29) (aged 76)
Glasgow, Scotland
NationalityScottish
Occupation(s)Stage, film and TV actor

Early life and education edit

McCall's father was a labourer. He attended St Mungo's Academy in Glasgow and trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.[1] He then appeared in repertory theatre in Scotland and England.

Acting career edit

McCall had significant film roles in Ring of Bright Water (1969) and Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves (1996).[2] His television appearances included Dr. Finlay's Casebook, Bottle Boys, Monarch of the Glen, and Coronation Street.[3] In addition to his role in films and television, McCall was the centrepoint in Knorr's stock cube advertising campaign in the 1980s, which included the famous catchphrase "Pea and ham soup from a chicken, now that's clever".[4]

He appeared twice in episodes of the television series Minder, playing safe-breaker/sneak thief 'Scotch Harry'.[5][6]

He was the chairman of the Scottish committee of the actors' union Equity for 17 years.[4]

Theatre edit

Year Title Role Company Director Notes
1990 The Ship Rab The Ship's Company, Govan Bill Bryden play by Bill Bryden staged at Harland and Wolff, Govan

Death edit

McCall was married for 44 years to Katherine McCall, a television and theatre director. Their son also entered the entertainment industry, first as a child actor, then later became involved in the behind-the scenes theatre work.[4] His wife found him hanged at their home in Glasgow on 29 January 2002.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ "RSAMD Alumni". Archived from the original on 3 September 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  2. ^ "Phil McCall". BFI. Archived from the original on 6 May 2017.
  3. ^ "Phil McCall". www.aveleyman.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Actor Phil McCall found hanged at his home". The Herald. 30 January 2002. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  5. ^ "The Smaller They Are... (1979)". BFI. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018.
  6. ^ "Return of the Invincible Man (1985)". BFI. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018.
  7. ^ "BBC actor found hanged". The Guardian. 30 January 2002. Retrieved 6 November 2009.

External links edit