Benjamin Whitrow was born on February 17, 1937, in Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Born under the astrological sign of Aquarius, he was known for his thoughtful and independent nature. His full birth name was Benjamin John Whitrow. He was raised in a Roman Catholic family but became less observant of religion as he grew older. Of British, Irish, and Scottish descent, Whitrow was proud of his heritage. Though he spoke only English, he had expressed an interest in learning other languages.
From a young age, Whitrow was captivated by film and television. He found early inspiration in classic actors such as James Stewart, Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Jack Lemmon, and James Dean. While his parents had hoped he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a lawyer, Whitrow chose a different path and pursued acting—a decision that would eventually lead to a long and distinguished career in theater, television, and radio.
Whitrow began his education at the Dragon School, a prestigious preparatory school in Oxford. He then went on to attend Tonbridge School in Kent, where he continued to excel both academically and artistically. It was during his time at Tonbridge that his talent for acting became apparent. Encouraged by his teachers to consider a career in the performing arts, Whitrow followed their advice and enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). At RADA, he distinguished himself as one of the most talented students in his class, laying the foundation for his future success in acting.
Before embarking on his professional acting career, Whitrow served in the British Army. From 1956 to 1958, he was a member of the 1st King's Dragoon Guards. This period of service provided him with valuable life experience before he transitioned fully into the world of performing arts.
Whitrow's career gained momentum in the 1980s when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, further showcasing his classical acting training and versatility. Although he performed on stage, he was more widely recognized for his work on television and radio. Some of his most notable roles included Mr. Bennet in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and appearances in series such as The New Statesman and Fireman Sam.
In addition to his screen and stage work, Whitrow contributed voice performances for radio dramas, further demonstrating the breadth of his talent. His performance as Mr. Bennet earned him a BAFTA nomination, reflecting critical acclaim for his nuanced acting. Over the course of his career, Benjamin Whitrow amassed a net worth estimated at $2.5 million.
| Birth Date: | 17 Feb, 1937 |
| Age: | 83 yrs |
| Occupations: | Stage actor Film actor Television actor |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom |
| Birth Place: | Oxford |
| Education: | Dragon School Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Tonbridge School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | English actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 300 thousand |
