Jack Birkett
ActingAbout Jack Birkett
Jack Birkett was born on June 11, 1934 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. He was an actor, mime artist, dancer and singer, a contemporary of Lindsey Kemp and a key member of his troupe. Often billed as Orlando, or The Incredible Orlando, Birkett was born to a Romani family and worked as an arrist's model for David Hockney before finding work as a stage hand at Leeds' Grand Theatre in 1950. He began to lose his sight in 1966, he then gradually became completely blind and was so for more than the last three decades his life. A regular cohort of the arthouse filmmaker Derek Jarman, Birkett appeared in Jubilee, The Tempest, Caravaggio and The Garden for the director. He retired from performing in the 1990s, living with his partner the Spanish artist and writer Nyako Nakar in Barcelona and London. He died on May 10, 2010 in London, aged 75.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jack Birkett reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 11 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Jack Birkett's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 9% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jack Birkett remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Troilus & Cressida, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jack Birkett Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jack Birkett's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jack Birkett.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | The Garden | Pontius (Orlando) | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Moon Child | Invalid | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | El vent de l’illa | Gobernador | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Caravaggio | The Pope | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Bride | Blind Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Titania | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Troilus & Cressida | Thersites | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Tempest | Caliban, a savage and deformed slave | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Jubilee | Borgia Ginz (as Orlando) | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Looking Glass Murders | Harlequin | Flop | Similar → |
| N/A | Good Bye G.O.D. | G.O.D. | Flop | Similar → |
Jack Birkett - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jack Birkett?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jack Birkett is "Troilus & Cressida" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Jack Birkett acted in?
Jack Birkett has been featured in at least 11 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jack Birkett?
Other notable films include "El vent de l’illa", "Caravaggio", and "Jubilee".




