Scofield, Paul, 1922–, English actor, b. Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. Scofield joined the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1945, having his first major success in King John. At the Stratford Memorial Theatre he won wide acclaim for his Hamlet and King Lear. His portrayal of Sir Thomas More in the stage (1960–62) and film (1966) versions of A Man for All Seasons gained him international renown along with a Tony and an Academy Award. He has also appeared in such other stage productions as Uncle Vanya (1970), Volpone (1977), Amadeus (1982), Heartbreak House (1992), and John Gabriel Borkman (1996). Noted for his strong, sculptured face and unusual voice, Scofield has made several films, including The Train (1964), King Lear (1971), A Delicate Balance (1973), Henry V (1989), Quiz Show (1994), and The Crucible (1996).

Scofield, (David) Paul

(born Jan. 21, 1922, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, Eng.) British actor. After entertaining the troops in World War II, he joined the theatre company at Stratford-upon-Avon (later the Royal Shakespeare Company) in 1946, winning acclaim as Henry V and Hamlet. He had his greatest success in A Man for All Seasons in London (1960) and New York City (1961–62) and reprised the role on film (1966, Academy Award). He continued to excel in stage productions, notably Uncle Vanya (1970) and Amadeus (1979). He appeared in the film versions of King Lear (1971), A Delicate Balance (1973), and Henry V (1989), and he later acted in the films Quiz Show (1994) and The Crucible (1996).