Jack May
ActingAbout 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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jack May reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Jack May'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 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jack May remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Whinfrey's Last Case, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Jack May Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Jack May's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jack May.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Willie's War | Grandfather | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Hard Road | Psychiatrist | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Doctor and the Devils | Dr Stevens | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Shooting Party | Sir Harry Stamp | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Bounty | Prosecuting Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | A Swarm in May | Mr. Ardent - the Headmaster | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | The Return of the Soldier | Brigadier General | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Friends and Other Lovers | Mr. Franklyn | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Life and Times of David Lloyd George | Lord Runciman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy | Garkbit (Head Waiter) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Whinfrey's Last Case | General Chapman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Henry VIII | Lord Chancellor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Seven-Per-Cent Solution | Dr. Schultz | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Man Who Would Be King | District Commissioner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Soap Opera in Stockwell | Detective | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | Big Zapper | Jeremiah Horn | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Breaking of Colonel Keyser | Watts | Flop | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Yes Girls | King Reiter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | Trog | Dr. Selbourne | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | Emma's Time | Emma's father | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | Goodbye, Mr. Chips | Price (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Doctor Who: The Space Pirates | General Hermack | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | Night After Night After Night | Judge Lomax | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | A Twist of Sand | Inspector Seekert | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | How I Won the War | Toby | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | Shopkeeper | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Last Invasion | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Stranger in the Family | Evans | Flop | Similar → |
| 1962 | A Prize of Arms | MO | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Solo for Sparrow | Inspector Hudson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Traitors | Burton | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Two-Way Stretch | Prison Visitor (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | There Was a Crooked Man | Police Sergeant | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Professionals | Edwards | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | A Night to Remember | Steerage Passenger (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Silent Enemy | Navy Doctor | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Cat Girl | Richard Johnson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Men of Sherwood Forest | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Gay Dog | Pub Customer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Trouble in Store | Bus Passenger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Behind the Headlines | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Pool of London | Sailor on the Dunbar (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Blue Lamp | Old Man in Crowd (Uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Saraband for Dead Lovers | Reveller | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Brief Encounter | Boat Rental Man (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | Johnny Frenchman | Choir Member (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | This Happy Breed | Mourner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Deadlock | Postman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Millions Like Us | Old Man | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Gentle Sex | Postman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Jack May - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Jack May?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jack May is "Whinfrey's Last Case" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Jack May acted in?
Jack May has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Jack May?
Other notable films include "Brief Encounter", "A Night to Remember", and "The Man Who Would Be King".