Timothy Dalton
79 years old
Who is Timothy Dalton?
Timothy Dalton is a renowned British actor best known for portraying James Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). With a career spanning over five decades, Dalton is celebrated for his commanding screen presence and classical theatre background.
Beyond Bond, he has starred in fan-favorite films like Flash Gordon, The Rocketeer, and The Tourist, and voiced the character Mr. Pricklepants in Toy Story 3 and its spin-offs.
Early Life and Education
Timothy Dalton was born on March 21, 1946, in Colwyn Bay, Wales, to an English father, Peter Dalton Leggett, and an American mother, Dorothy Scholes. He holds British nationality and has mixed British, Irish, and Italian ancestry.
Timothy attended Herbert Strutt Grammar School and later trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He also toured with the National Youth Theatre, which helped shape his early stage skills.
Career Highlights
Early Screen and Stage Work
Dalton began his film career in 1968 as Philip II of France in The Lion in Winter. He continued acting in historical dramas, such as Mary, Queen of Scots (1971) and Permission to Kill (1975), while also establishing himself on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Becoming James Bond (1987–1989)
In 1986, Dalton took over the iconic role of James Bond after Roger Moore’s retirement. His interpretation was darker and more grounded, closer to Ian Fleming’s original novels. His two Bond films:
- The Living Daylights (1987)
- Licence to Kill (1989)
Both performed well internationally, with The Living Daylights grossing over $191 million worldwide.
Post-Bond Roles
After Bond, Dalton continued to build a diverse portfolio:
- The Rocketeer (1991) – as villain Neville Sinclair
- Scarlett (1994) – as Rhett Butler in the Gone with the Wind sequel
- Toy Story 3 (2010) – as the voice of Mr. Pricklepants
- Chuck (TV series) – for which he won a TV Guide Award
- Doom Patrol (2019–2021) – as Chief/Niles Caulder
His voice work and television roles have helped him maintain relevance with newer generations of fans.
Personal Life
Relationship History
Although Timothy Dalton has never married, he has had several high-profile relationships:
- Vanessa Redgrave (1971–1986) – Engaged and together for nearly 15 years
- Whoopi Goldberg (1990–1991) – Dated for about a year
- Oksana Grigorieva (1995–2003) – Engaged and had a son, Alexander Dalton, born on August 7, 1997
- Denice D. Lewis – Brief relationship
- Kate Fitzpatrick (1972) – Briefly linked
As of now, Dalton is reportedly single and keeps his private life away from the media spotlight.
Fun Facts About Timothy Dalton
- He almost played James Bond earlier in 1971, but turned it down because he felt he was too young.
- He voiced Mr. Pricklepants, a thespian hedgehog, in Toy Story 3 and its spin-offs.
- Known for his love of Shakespeare, he has starred in several classical stage productions.
- His portrayal of Bond was one of the closest to the tone of Ian Fleming’s novels.
- He has a deep voice and commanding presence, often playing villains or complex antiheroes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Timothy Dalton play James Bond?
He portrayed James Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989).
2. Did Timothy Dalton ever get married?
No, he has never married, although he was engaged twice.
3. Does Timothy Dalton have children?
Yes, he has one son, Alexander Dalton, born in 1997, with his ex-fiancée, Oksana Grigorieva.
4. What is Timothy Dalton doing now?
He most recently starred in the series Doom Patrol and continues to work in film and television.
