Clive Swift

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clive Swift as his character, Richard Bucket, in Keeping Up Appearances.

Clive Walter Swift (born February 9, 1936) is a British actor originally from Liverpool, Merseyside, England.

Swift was educated at Clifton College and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he read English literature. He was previously a teacher at Lamda and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Swift has appeared in many TV series and movies He is most noted for his performance in Keeping Up Appearances, starring as Richard Bucket. He also starred in the BBC adaptation of The Barchester Chronicles and appeared in the Doctor Who story Revelation of the Daleks. For a full CV see Who's Who.

Clive Swift was formerly married to novelist Margaret Drabble (1960-75). He is the father of one daughter, Rebecca, who runs The Literary Consultancy and two sons, Adam, an academic, and Joe Swift, a TV gardener. Clive's brother, David Swift, is also a well-known actor.

As well as acting, he is a talented songwriter. Many of his songs are included in his show, currently (2007) touring the UK, Richard Bucket Overflows: An Audience with Clive Swift.