Ben Bolt obituary, director behind Downton Abbey and Doc Martin
When Ben Bolt was sent the script for a television drama about an aristocratic family and their domestic servants in post-Edwardian England, his every instinct told him that it was a winner. As a director whose credits spanned the Atlantic and ranged from The Sweeney and Bergerac to Hill Street Blues and LA Law, he thrived on the challenge of taking a great story from page to screen — and as he read Julian Fellowes's outline for the first series of what was to become Downton Abbey, he almost purred with pleasure.
The script had been sent to him by his old friend Gareth Neame, the executive producer on the project and with whom he made the 1998 thriller Getting Hurt as part of the BBC's Obsessions series. Would he be interested in directing a few episodes? At the time he was working on the fifth series of Doc Martin, the ITV comedy drama starring Martin Clunes, but the question was a no-brainer.
Bolt went on to direct two of the first three episodes of Downton Abbey, setting up one of the most successful TV dramas of the 21st century. That first series won half a dozen Emmy awards, a Golden Globe and a brace of Baftas and included perhaps the most famous line of all in Downton Abbey's 52 episodes, when Maggie Smith as the dowager countess Violet Crawley demanded to know: 'What is a weekend?'
Almost as memorable was her comment that 'No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house' after a Turkish diplomat suffered a heart attack while staying at the Abbey. The great dame, of course, was already famous for her portrayal of another dowager countess, Lady Bracknell, and her delivery of the famous 'handbag' line had entered theatrical legend. 'If there's an old bat to play, it'll be me,' she said when Downton Abbey launched in 2010. Tailor-made as the matriarch of the Crawley family, she perhaps needed little coaching, yet she worked assiduously with Bolt on getting exactly the right nuance of aristocratic battiness into her lines and characterisation.
Bolt's dedication to his craft was a watchword and 'going the extra mile' as a director was not optional but mandatory. Whatever the amount of effort required, the only criterion was that the work had to be the best quality and if one more take was needed to get it exactly right, it would be done whatever the clock and the budget said. 'However hairy things got, everyone on set knew Ben would protect the integrity of the work,' one of the actors who worked with him noted.
Yet at the same time he was the opposite of a stentorian martinet and coaxed the best out of cast and crew alike with a gentle charm and good humour. 'He always made the job fun, even when we were inevitably running over to get that one last take,' another of his actors recalled.
When his wife Jo (née Ross), an actress, predeceased him in 2023, he was bereft without his life partner. He is survived by their daughter, Molly Bolt, a film producer with House Productions. She remembered as a young girl being embarrassed by his terrible singing when he was walking her to school. Before she married, he took singing lessons because he didn't want to embarrass her by singing out of tune in church on her wedding day. It was another example of him 'going the extra mile'.
In turn, during the cancer that beset him during his final two years, she accompanied him to every appointment with his doctors and consultant. Devoted to his family, he was thrilled by the arrival of his first grandson, Leo, six months before he died.
Away from the film set, he loved messing around on sail boats and was an enthusiastic tennis player. The actor Simon Williams, his long-term opponent and partner on court, recalled that he managed to be 'competitive and comedic at the same time' and when he played a poor shot would let out a frustrated cry of 'Ben-e-diiiict!' The record number of 'Benedicts' in a set was said to be only six, which suggested that his smashes and lobs found their mark more often than they missed.
Benedict Lawrence Bolt was born in 1952, the son of Jo (née Roberts), a novelist, and Robert Bolt, in Butleigh, Somerset, where his father, who would go on to write the screenplays for Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and A Man for All Seasons, was teaching at Millfield School.
His parents divorced when he was ten and his father married the actress Sarah Miles. It meant he saw less of him than he would have wished but they retained a close relationship. After Robert suffered a stroke, he lived for a time with his son and daughter-in-law and when he died in 1995, he bequeathed the responsibility for protecting his work to him in his will.
Educated at Brockenhurst Grammar School, Bolt went on to the Courtauld Institute of Art but left without completing his studies. He continued to draw all his life but he had caught the film bug while accompanying his father on sets as a boy, and keen to launch a career in the industry, he enrolled at the National Film School. In later life he returned to the school as a lecturer and is remembered by former students as a mentor with a bottomless well of encouragement and advice.
His breakthrough as a freelance TV director came in the mid-1970s when he took charge of episodes of the ITV dramas Van der Valk and The Sweeney, and Target for the BBC. By the mid-1980s he had been headhunted by the American networks. He had flown to Los Angeles for a meeting out of little more than curiosity but when he was offered Hill Street Blues he stayed for the best part of a decade, setting up home in the Hollywood Hills.
On his return to Britain in the 1990s he directed the acclaimed TV mini-series Scarlet and Black starring Ewan McGregor and Rachel Weisz as well as his wife, and Wilderness starring Gemma Jones as a librarian-cum-werewolf. There were also a number of made-for-TV films including a splendid adaptation of Henry James's The Turn of the Screw with Colin Firth. One of his greatest successes came with the long-running Doc Martin, shot on location in the Cornish fishing village of Port Isaac, and which he directed from its launch in 2003 over five seasons until 2011, drawing a viewing audience of more than ten million.
He also turned his hand to writing scripts for episodes of the comedy drama, something friends and family urged him to do more. The shadow of a screenwriting father with a brace of Oscars to his name perhaps made him more reticent than he need have been.
The final project he was involved in was the currently touring version of his father's play A Man for All Seasons, starring Martin Shaw as Thomas More and which is due to arrive in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre in August. Bolt acted as a consultant, attending read-throughs and rehearsals and with his daughter attended a performance at the Oxford Playhouse three months before he died.
Ben Bolt, director and screenwriter, was born on May 9, 1952. He died of leukaemia on May 10, 2025, aged 73
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Frasier star Kelsey Grammer, 70, to become dad for EIGHTH time
Kelsey Grammer is set to be a dad again at 70 as he stepped out with heavily-pregnant wife Kayte Walsh in London on Tuesday. can confirm the couple are expecting their fourth child together, with a source saying the pregnancy has 'reignited' the spark between them. The Frasier star, who is already dad to seven children, looked giddy as he strolled with Walsh, 46, who showed off her bump in a elegant draped dress. 'Kelsey is thrilled to finally have time to fully enjoy being a father all over again,' a source told 'He's been incredibly supportive of Kayte throughout this pregnancy, which, though unexpected, has reignited a spark in their marriage that they both needed. 'This will be their fourth child together, and with Kelsey's other three children from his past marriages, their new bundle of joy will have so much love.' 'After giving Frasier one last go, he has hung his hat up on that character and is ready for the next phase of his life. He is looking forward to embracing the hands-on parenting he missed in the past.' Kelsey Grammer's wife Kayte Walsh is pregnant with their fourth child together, can confirm Kayte showed off her bump during an outing with her family in London on Tuesday Kayte appeared heavily pregnant and just weeks away from her due date. The couple have not publicly announced they are expecting. has contacted representatives for Kelsey Grammer for comment and has yet to hear back. Kelsey and Kayte have three children together - daughter Faith Grammer, 12, and sons Kelsey Gabriel Grammer, 10, and Auden 'James' Ellis Grammer, eight. The actor, who has been married a total of four times, also has daughter Spencer Grammer, 41, with ex-wife Doreen Alderman, daughter Greer Grammer, 33, with ex-girlfriend Barrie Buckner, as well as two children with ex-wife Camille Grammer - daughter Mason Olivia Grammer, 23, and son Jude Gordon Grammer, 20. Grammer was 61 at the time Walsh gave birth to their third child together. 'Honestly, the beauty of being an older dad is you get a chance to kinda try it again. That's been a real gift,' he told The Guardian in 2018. During their day in London, Kelsey and Kayte - who is from Hartlepool, England - were in high spirits spending quality time with their three children. The growing family grabbed some snacks at Whole Foods grocery store before heading to Hyde Park for some fresh air. Kelsey, whose Frasier revival was recently cancelled after two seasons, fully embraced domestic life as he assumed cart-pushing duties through the grocery store. A source told that their future bundle of joy will be surrounded by 'love' being one of Kelsey's seven children The actor and his wife were out with their daughter Faith Grammer, 12, and sons Kelsey Gabriel Grammer, 10, and Auden 'James' Ellis Grammer, eight Kayte cloaked her bump in a billowing black dress Walsh kept her cool with sandals while her husband trekked through the city in trainers The family got to their next destination via taxi They made a stop at Whole Foods grocery store Kayte wore a billowing black dress that cascaded over her bump, along with a brown sweater and sandals. They then headed to Hyde Park, where the couple leisurely strolled down a path as Kelsey carried a ball for their kids to play with. Walsh is a former flight attendant who met Grammer when he was a passenger on one of her flights to London back in 2009. Their relationship began when the actor was still legally married to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Camille. 'We actually met in the air on a plane to England,' he told Jimmy Kimmel of their romance back in 2012. 'It was very romantic, she was working on the plane. 'We went out for coffee several days later and had this magical night in the snow in London around Christmas time. It was two years ago.' Kelsey couldn't have looked any happier spending quality time with his growing family The Hollywood star embraced domestic life as he assumed cart-pushing duties The family appeared to be searching for snacks ahead of their park adventure Grammer selected a fresh melon for their late spring outing Grammer followed his family into the store Grammer was the last one to emerge from the taxi The grinning actor shut the door behind him as his family waited on the sidewalk The two lovebirds announced their engagement in December 2010, and tied the knot during a romantic ceremony two months later on February 25, 2011 at The Plaza Hotel in the heart of New York City. Kelsey's divorce from Camille Meyer was finalised only days before the nuptials on February 10. At the time, the Hollywood star spoke about his fourth marriage to People and stated, '[It's] like it's never happened before,' and later called Kayte 'fantastic.' Grammer introduced the character of Frasier Crane on the hit NBC sitcom Cheers, which was originally supposed to be just a six-episode arc but turned into a series regular and quite the beloved character. A source told that Kayte's pregnancy has brought back the 'spark' in their marriage Kayte held their son's hand as they emerged from the store 'Kelsey is thrilled to finally have time to fully enjoy being a father all over again,' a source told Grammer led the way as they crossed the street The family headed to Hyde Park, where doting dad Kelsey brought along a ball for the kids to play with The couple enjoyed some fresh air strolling through the park Kayte smiled as she held hands with her son Kayte appeared heavily pregnant and just weeks away from her due date. The couple have not publicly announced they are expecting Grammer and his wife crossed the street Kayte kept cool with a hair bun The actor slung a colorful ball in his arm as they prepared for their park excursion Grammer's marriage to Kayte marks the fourth time he's walked down the aisle; the couple pictured in 2017 Grammer recently revisited his iconic Frasier role in the since-cancelled revival; pictured in the original series back in 1997 The actor's legendary character originated from the show Cheers before he was given the spin-off treatment He returned in the spin-off Frasier, which brought the character back to his hometown of Seattle where he hosted a radio show offering listeners advice. Frasier also starred David Hyde Pierce as his brother Niles, John Mahoney as their father Martin, Peri Gilpin as Frasier's radio call screener and Jane Leeves as Daphne, Martin's caretaker. The show ran for 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004, making it one of the most successful TV spin-offs of all time. Frasier won 37 Primetime Emmy Awards, which was then a record for the most Emmys for a scripted series, including five straight wins for Outstanding Comedy Series. A Frasier revival debuted in 2023 and aired for two seasons before being cancelled by Paramount+ this year.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
England footie ace Millie Bright sends cryptic four-word message after leaving fiancé for married personal trainer
MILLIE BRIGHT has been soaking up some rays in the summer heatwave - after deciding to sit out the Lionesses' Euro defence. The Chelsea defender, 31, recently split from her fiancé Levi Crew. 4 4 Bright has been a regular feature in the Lionesses' set-up since 2016, helping the team win the Euros in 2023. She recently made herself unavailable for this summer's Euro 2025, saying she was unable to give 100 per cent mentally or physically. Away from the field, Bright has fallen "hook, line, and sinker" for her new personal trainer boyfriend. The Sun exclusively revealed this week Millie's new man was a married dad of seven who has already moved into her home. Dave Zetolofsky, 39, is a martial arts enthusiast and former pro kickboxer. And Bright appeared to be smitten as she soaked up some rays on Thursday afternoon. Millie uploaded a series of snaps for her 450,000 Instagram fans, posing in the sunshine before hitting up a restaurant for dinner. Lionesses centre-back Millie wrote: "Appreciating the little things." Millie met Dave after she began training at the 21st Century Combat gym in Redhill, Surrey. A source told The Sun: "Millie and Dave's relationship is no secret. England football ace Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married personal trainer 'in a big way' "They've been seen out and about, and in the gym together. "You can understand that [Dave's wife] Katie has found the whole thing pretty devastating. "The fallout has been enormous but Millie has fallen hook, line and sinker for this guy." Bright started her career at Doncaster Belles after coming through Sheffield United's youth setup. She was snapped up by Chelsea prior to the 2015 season and has gone on to become one of their greatest ever players. Bright has earned 88 caps for the Lionesses, scoring six goals. The 31-year-old is currently the club captain and is contracted with the Blues until 2026. Bright has told friends her new romance has nothing to do with her withdrawal from international duty this summer. There is also no suggestion that the pair have cheated on their former partners.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Lauren Goodger hits back at trolls who mocked her looks after she revealed she's having her 'heavy' breast implants removed for a 'natural look'
hit back at critics on her Instagram Story on Friday after trolls cruelly criticized her looks on a recent lingerie post. The TOWIE legend, 38, who revealed at the time that she is having her 'heavy' breast implants removed for a more 'natural look', was bombarded by hateful comments about her appearance. Lauren then shared a pal's post of lingerie snap and hurtful comments, in which her friend had defended her by writing: 'At this rate I'm disgusted in the human race. 'Not only is this a woman who's carried two baby's it's a woman who's lost one. How on earth could anyone try to hurt her il never know. 'Reading trolls on her posts has made me feel sick! What a horrible world we live in! @laurengoodger you are a supper woman and your beautiful just the way you are (love heart emoji).' Lauren re-sharing the message of support comes after she admitted her breasts were 'perfect' before, although now they simply 'make her look big', as she opened up about her breast-reduction journey on Instagram last month. The TOWIE legend, 38, who revealed at the time that she is having her 'heavy' breast implants removed for a more 'natural look', was bombarded by hateful comments about her appearance (pictured on TOWIE in 2011) Now, her pal has hit back at trolls by reposting the lingerie snap and hurtful comments, saying: 'At this rate I'm disgusted in the human race. Not only is this a woman who's carried two baby's it's a woman who's lost one. How on earth could anyone try to hurt her il never know' The reality star shared on her Instagram page at the time a snap of herself posing in a sheer dusky pink baby doll, which showcased her very ample assets. She wrote in the lengthy caption: '11 years ago I had a breast augmentation, one of the things I regret later in life. 'I had the perfect boobs .. they have been great over the years but since being a mum and breastfeeding for 1 year they have now changed and I've always found they make me look bigger! 'Also they are heavy and I don't like the idea of an implant being in me all these years and I miss my old boob so much.. so after looking around I've found someone that I feel really keen with having my consultation with @marksolomos. 'This is a HUGE step for me I've wanted to have them removed for so long but suffering with serve anxiety surgery is the last thing I can do ! Lauren finished: 'So it's early stages but I am bringing you a long with me! 'I'm terrified but also for health reasons I'm having implants removed and bring back more to my normal self wanting to reverse everything back to natural.' It comes after earlier in March, the TV sensation shared a huge plastic surgery U-turn on finally having her implants removed after previously fearing death if she went under the knife again. The TOWIE star delayed getting her breast and Brazilian bum lift removed because she hated the thought of leaving her daughter Larose behind should anything go wrong. Lauren shares daughter Larose, three, with her ex Charles Drury and tragically gave birth to her stillborn daughter Lorena in 2022 after she was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. After years of desperately wanting to get her cosmetic surgery reversed, Lauren has finally plucked up the courage to put plans in place for later this year. Sharing her plans in an exclusive interview with MailOnline, she said: 'I was terrified [of getting it done] which is what I'm working on, I'm working on that. 'I've delayed it for a year now. I was meant to get the implants out and I want them out because that will transform me. 'It's not even about my weight, it's more my boobs and bum. If I could get rid of them I'd feel and look so much better.' After a breast augmentation surgery in 2013, she transformed her 34D chest size to 34E, yet while Lauren said she loved how her breasts looked at the time, now she feels differently. She added: 'I've got such a big bum and ginormous boobs, that I look so much bigger than I am because If you catch me at an angle I can look a lot bigger and if they were gone I'd look much more in proportion. 'So I don't really think it is altogether my weight, it's more because I need to get rid of the surgically enhanced assets which is my bum and boobs. 'Let's hope I can do it this year because I will feel so much more comfortable.' Lauren previously admitted she wanted to get rid of her BBL after she described it as 'the worst experience' of her life - which sparked her fears of more surgery.
