John Nolan, a renowned British stage and screen actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. He was also the uncle of popular filmmaker Christopher Nolan. He featured in many of Nolan’s films and started as a theater actor.
John Nolan was a formative artistic influence in Nolan’s life
John Nolan was fondly remembered by Christopher Nolan, who appeared in several films that the latter directed. He played small supporting roles and became a familiar face in Nolan’s filmography. In a statement, he stated that his uncle taught him to search for the truth in creative endeavors. Furthermore, he also credited him as his first exposure to acting as an art form.
“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,” a statement from Christopher Nolan read.
John’s wife, Kim Hartman, also put out a statement upon his death, stating that he was a “free spirit” and an “original thinker” who acted on his own volition. She further went on to say that he was a “talented teacher” and loved animals.
“A free spirit, who always knew what he wanted and acted on his own terms; the only truly original thinker I think I ever knew. Articulate, intelligent, and with an anarchic wit, he was always willing to see both sides of an argument,” John’s wife told the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald.
“John was a popular and talented teacher, whether explaining a Shakespeare soliloquy or how to swing a golf club, and was devoted to his family,” she further added.
John Nolan appeared in Christopher Nolan’s 1998 debut film, Following, and also played Fredericks, Wayne Enterprises board member, in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Rises. He also played the role of the Blind Man in the 2017 film Dunkirk.
Apart from appearing in Nolan’s filmography, he also made appearances on shows like Shabby Tiger, The Water Margin, Marked Personal, General Hospital, Crown Court, ITV Playhouse, and Dune: Prophecy. He gained recognition for portraying ex-MI6 operative John Greer on Person of Interest.
The actor trained at the historic Drama Centre in London, and played the leading man in Romeo & Juliet at Richmond Theatre, opposite Francesca Annis.
John Nolan’s passing marks the loss of a quiet but consistent presence in Nolan’s cinematic world.
