Biography

Once called "the patron saint of the acting profession" by Rupert Everett, Franco-British thespian Vernon Dobtcheff was born in Nîmes, to a family of Russian extraction, and educated at Ascham Preparatory School in Eastbourne, Sussex, where he was bitten by the acting bug and won the school's Acting Cup. He became a staple of British television dramas in the 1960s, including a historic episode of Doctor Who (1963) where he became the first actor to ever utter the phrase "Time Lord" in the series.

Often cast as clergymen, bureaucrats, and other authority figures; Dobtcheff has appeared in many high-profile films and television programmes throughout the following decades, starring opposite actors including Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton, Tom Courtenay, Julie Andrews, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Caine, Albert Finney, Sean Connery, Meryl Streep, John Gielgud, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Jeremy Irons, and Ethan Hawke. He has been equally at home on the theatrical stage, or in projects made in his native France.
- IMDb mini biography by: Troy Schulz

His exceptionally prolific resume, which includes over 300 film and TV appearances

Usually plays very supporting roles

Often plays clergymen, bureaucrats, and other authority figures.

As of 2018, he's appeared in at least four films that were nominated for Best Picture Oscar: Darling (1965), Anne of the Thousand Days (1969), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and Fiddler on the Roof (1971).

According to Rupert Everett in his memoir "Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins", Dobtcheff is legendary for appearing at almost every play's opening night in the UK. If unable to attend an opening night, he will still endeavor to send the cast a card wishing the production good luck.

Acted opposite three James Bond actors: Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, and Roger Moore; the later in an official 007 production.

Made his professional stage debut in 1956.

Has acted in both the Eon James Bond Series and the Doctor Who Franchise.