John Nolan, the Batman Begins actor and uncle of famed director Christopher Nolan and producer Jonathan Nolan, has died. He was 87.
Nolan’s death was first reported Saturday by the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald.
In a statement shared with The Independent, Christopher said: “My uncle John was the first artist I knew, and he taught me more than anyone about the search for truth in acting and the joys of creative achievement.
“I miss him terribly, but take great comfort in my memories of John, particularly those of working together.”
Nolan collaborated with director Christopher Nolan on the 2005 film Batman Begins, in which he played Wayne Enterprises board member Douglas Fredericks.
He then reprised his role in the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises, co-written by Jonathan and again helmed by Christopher.
But his collaboration with Christopher began decades prior, when Nolan appeared in the feature film Following, his nephew’s 1998 directorial debut. Nolan’s final collaboration with his director nephew would come in the 2017 movie Dunkirk. His last gig with Jonathan was the CBS series Person of Interest, which the young producer created and executive-produced.
Nolan was born in Kent, England, in 1938. He spent the early part of his career on stage, performing in productions with Richmond Theater, Royal Court Company, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 1970, Nolan played the title role in the miniseries Daniel Deronda and later appeared in the second season of the sci-fi show Doomwatch. Three years later, he played Nick Faunt in all seven episodes of Shabby Tiger.
Nolan’s other film credits include Terror and The World Is Full of Married Men. His television appearances included Return of the Saint, Crown Court, Enemy at the Door, Masterpiece, Silent Witness and Dune: Prophecy, which would be the final screen performance of his career.
While working on a production of Romeo and Juliet in the early days of his stage career, Nolan met actor Kim Hartman. The two married in 1975 and welcomed two children, Tom and Miranda.
Fans have shared their condolences online following the news of Nolan’s death.
“Such a shame. I loved him in Person of Interest so much,” one fan wrote on X, while another agreed, “He was great in Person of Interest. Condolences to the Nolan family. RIP.”
“Rest in peace. He was PHENOMENAL in Following even though he had an extremely brief role,” another added while someone else chimed in, “Sad loss John Nolan had a long, memorable career. RIP.”
In addition to his wife and two children, Nolan is survived by two grandchildren.
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