Peter Nigel Terry ( 15 August 1945 -- 30 April 2015 ) was an English stage and film actor probably best known by film audiences for his portrayal of King Arthur in John Boorman 's `` Excalibur '' ( 1981 ) .
Peter Nigel Terry ( 15 August 1945 -- 30 April 2015 ) was an English stage and movie actor . He was best known by for his role of King Arthur in John Boorman 's `` Excalibur '' ( 1981 ) .