Gregory de Polnay, Renowned Actor and Voice Coach, Passes Away at 82
Gregory de Polnay, a versatile actor, director, voice teacher, and performance coach, has died at the age of 82. His career was marked by significant contributions to television, radio, and theatre, with a legacy that includes over 100 television appearances and 350 radio broadcasts.
Notable Television and Radio Roles
De Polnay is best remembered for his role as Detective Sergeant Mike Brewer in the popular BBC series Dixon of Dock Green during 1974-75. His performance in this long-running police drama cemented his place in British television history. Additionally, he lent his voice to the character D84 in the 1977 Doctor Who serial The Robots of Death, showcasing his talent in voice acting.
In 1976, he appeared as Peter Garforth in the TV series Space: 1999, further diversifying his on-screen portfolio. Beyond television, de Polnay had a strong presence in radio, with hundreds of broadcasts to his name.
Early Life and Theatrical Beginnings
Born in Chelsea, London, Gregory de Polnay was the son of Hungarian novelist Peter de Polnay and artist Margaret Mitchell-Banks. He credited his godfather, the poet Dylan Thomas, with introducing him to literature, and was inspired by Laurence Olivier's powerful stage performances to pursue a career in acting.
After attending Blackfriars school in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, he studied at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (Lamda) and embarked on a theatre career. Like many actors, he faced years of professional insecurity, but his passion for the stage remained undiminished.
Career Transition to Teaching and Coaching
In 1987, a serious fall from a stage ladder while performing as Malvolio in Twelfth Night at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival led to a lengthy recovery. This period prompted de Polnay to rethink his career, and he decided to seek more stability by retraining as a teacher.
He pursued an advanced diploma in voice studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, followed by a performance studies MA at King's College London. In 1988, he was appointed head of voice at the Drama Centre in London, and from 1994 to the early 2000s, he held a similar role at Lamda. Concurrently, he served as a teacher and director at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) from late 1990 until 2010.
De Polnay also translated his expertise into corporate coaching through GdeP Associates, helping business professionals improve their vocal delivery and body language.
Personal Life and Legacy
In his later years, de Polnay spent much time at his French home near Cognac with his second wife, Candice (née White), whom he married in 1998. There, he enjoyed reading The Tiger Who Came to Tea to his grandsons, Jeno and Toby, creating cherished family memories.
He is survived by his wife Candice, his children Kirrily and the author of this obituary from his first marriage to Anna (née Bowden), which ended in divorce in 1985, and by his grandsons Jeno and Toby. Gregory de Polnay's multifaceted career and dedication to the arts leave a lasting impact on the entertainment and education sectors.
