# Robin Nedwell

Robin Courteney Nedwell (27 September 1946 – 1 February 1999) was an English actor, formally trained at Central School of Speech and Drama. He is best remembered for his role as Doctor Duncan Waring in the television comedy series Doctor in the House and its sequels including Doctor Down Under; although he was critically acclaimed for his performance in television series such as The Lovers, The Upchat Connection, The Climber and the ATV comedy-drama Shillingbury Tales. He also featured in several British films.

## Early life and education

He was born in Birmingham, England but moved with his family at an early age to Cardiff, Wales, where he was educated at Monkton House preparatory school. After leaving school he studied at University College, Cardiff and joined a local theatre company, Everyman Theatre Cardiff, and then trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama studying Stage Acting.

## Career

Soon after finishing drama school he landed the role of Doctor Duncan Waring in the hugely popular British television comedy series Doctor in the House (1969–70). The producer, Humphrey Barclay, talking of Nedwell's audition said "I remember him bounding into the audition room in 1969, an ebullient drama student in a tweed jacket. His natural personality and sense of comedy were immediately apparent and we cast him on the spot. He was entertaining, considerate, and the greatest fun", and recalled his trademark "huge laugh".
Taking a break from the series in 1971 to pursue his interests in film-making and feature film appearances, Nedwell returned in a leading role as Dr. Waring in the sequels Doctor in Charge, Doctor at Sea, Doctor on the Go, Doctor Down Under (filmed in Australia), and Doctor at the Top. Although most of his roles were designed for television, apart from the "Doctor" series, his appearances included Vault of Horror (1973) – along with his "Doctor" co-star Geoffrey Davies – Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977), The Shillingbury Blowers (1980), The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) and Cluedo (1990).
Nedwell became known later in his career for his performances on stage. He appeared in the West End in Brigadoon in 1989, and in 1992, played Max Detweiler in a British tour of The Sound of Music, a production that was also staged at Sadler's Wells. He performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1995–1996 season, appearing in that year's productions of The Taming of the Shrew (as Grumio), Richard III (as King Richard III) and Ben Jonson's comedy The Devil is an Ass.

## Personal life

Nedwell had a romance with co-star Diane Keen. In 1982, Nedwell married PR agent Heather Inglis, with whom he had a daughter, Amie, although the couple later separated. His nephew Oliver is a graduate of the National Film and Television School with several credits on feature length films.

## Death

Nedwell lived in Hedge End, Hampshire, England and died at his doctor's surgery in Hedge End after suffering a heart attack on 1 February 1999, aged 52.

## Filmography

* The Vault of Horror (1973) – Tom (segment 4 "Bargain in Death")
* Stand Up, Virgin Soldiers (1977) – Lt. Grainger
* The Shillingbury Blowers (1980) – Peter Higgins
* A Slice of Life (1983) – Toby
* The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) – Will Scarlett