I was born in Mirfield, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Son of Gladys and Alfred. Educated at Jarrow before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966.


My TV debut was in Coronation Street in 1969 as a Fire Officer. Then as Horatio opposite Ian Richardson's Hamlet. In 1980 I moved to the Royal National Theatre, roles in 'I Claudius' and 'Tinker Tailor Solider Spy' followed.


1984 brought a role in David Lynch's film adaptation of Frank Herbert's book Dune, that of Gurney Hallek. But it wasn't until 1987 that my career really 'took off'.


I am just as well known for my voice overs to. CIA Deputy Director Avery Bullock in 'American Dad', and as The Number One Stonecutter in the 'Simpsons'.


Professor Charles Xavier in the 'X Men' franchise was big but no where near my seat in the Captain's chair on the Enterprise. Who am I?