Production: The Unexpected Guest (UK Tour)
First Performance: 9 January 2007
Character: Michael Starkwedder
Description: This was Simon’s first performance of The Unexpected Guest at the Theatre Royal in Windsor
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09 January 2007
Production: The Unexpected Guest (UK Tour)
First Performance: 9 January 2007
Character: Michael Starkwedder
Description: This was Simon’s first performance of The Unexpected Guest at the Theatre Royal in Windsor
Read more…
01 January 2007
Following widespread critical acclaim for their star-studded production of The Hollow, the second production from The Agatha Christie Theatre Company promises to be another “beautifully staged and executed murder-mystery… a killer production of classic Christie class” (The Argus).
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Simon MacCorkindale is perhaps best recognised as Harry Harper, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, in the BBC’s most popular and enduring drama series Casualty.
A childhood love for drama led to a place at Studio ’68 of Theatre Arts in London aged 19. On completing the course, he toured in regional rep before his West End debut in the highly acclaimed Pygmalion. He worked extensively on British TV, and in 1976 appeared in the renowned I, Claudius and in Zeffirelli’s opulent Jesus of Nazareth.
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16 October 2010
SIMON MacCORKINDALE, the actor, who died on October 14 aged 58, built a 30-year stage and television career playing handsome, often roguish, charmers – most recently the consultant Harry Harper in the popular BBC hospital drama Casualty.
Early in his career, his talent for playing stiff-upper-lipped romantic leads won him flattering accolades such as “Boy’s Own Brit”. He was acclaimed as a new Errol Flynn or David Niven, whose “flawless looks, perfect features, perfect hair, perfect skin” were admired by one breathless female critic in The Sunday Telegraph
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08 November 2009
CASUALTY star Simon MacCorkindale today reveals his secret THREE YEAR battle against cancer—and tells how he aims to beat the disease.
Tenderly holding hands with actress wife Susan George, the TV heart-throb recalls how a REAL doctor working on the BBC hospital drama first spotted his symptoms early and urged him to get a check-up.
And despite being given only five years to live in May 2006, defiant Simon, 57, vows: “I’m going nowhere. I don’t think about a day when it comes to an end.
“It’s not happening. It’s just a bloody nuisance.
“I don’t want people to think I’m sitting here pale, losing weight and my hair and on the way out. I’m not. I’m as active as I’ve ever been.”
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FOR more than three years, he kept it a secret even from his closest friends. Former Casualty star Simon MacCorkindale, who played handsome consultant Harry Harper in the popular BBC series, told very few he was battling cancer. Even after the disease had spread to his lungs and doctors gave him just five years to live, he and his wife, the iconic Seventies actress Susan George, decided they did not want everyone to know.
‘I didn’t want to make a fuss,’ says Simon. ‘We are very private people and wanted to deal with it on our own.’
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10 February 2009
This interview was carried out with Simon on the 10th February at the London Palladium. There is a video message that was filmed at the same time and audio can be found on the forum – in Simon’s Secret Society. This is Simon in his own words (i.e. typed word for word what he said)
001 – What’s next
I really don’t know is the answer. I’m doing a couple of things, there are a number of things being talked about, but nothing that’s absolutely carved in granite. I’m gonna do another day on another movie, literally next week, for a friend, the same sort of set up as that other one, who’s title I think is the one you saw.
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01 February 2009
The timeless family classic, The Sound Of Music, continues to delight audiences in this lavish production at the legendary London Palladium.
Summer Strallen as Maria is now joined by TV star Simon MacCorkindale as Captain von Trapp. Simon, best known recently for his starring role as Harry Harper in BBC’s Casualty, has taken time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about the show and his career.
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25 August 2008
Theatre includes: as director, Sleuth (Texas and California), A Doll’s House (Dramalogue Award as Best Director, Matrix, Hollywood) and The Merchant of Venice (The Globe, Hollywood); as actor, Gayden Chronicles (Los Angeles), Macbeth (Ludlow Festival), Relatively Speaking (Questors and Oakington), Dark Lady of the Sonnets (NT), French Without Tears (Thorndike, Leatherhead), B-B-Que (Soho Polytechnic), Pygmalion (Albery), The Happiest Days of Your Life (Oakington), Potsdam Quartet (Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford), Back to Methuselah (Shaw Festival), Bequest to the Nation, The Front Page, Getting On and Journey’s End (Belgrade, Coventry) and, most recently, The Unexpected Guest and Sleuth (national tours).
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30 June 2008
IT has more twists than a 1960s dance festival and – if done properly – a jaw-dropping surprise. Sleuth, which opens at Theatre Royal in Newcastle tonight, is a cat and mouse thriller which continually wrong-foots audiences – if they haven’t seen it before, of course.
Simon MacCorkindale, who stars in Anthony Schaffer’s award-winning play alongside former Dynasty actor Michael Praed, reckons there are still plenty of Sleuth novices around.
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15 June 2008
Detective skills are hardly needed to work out why last year’s new film of Sleuth flopped while this year’s new theatre version is packing them in, but let the play’s star Simon MacCorkindale help work it out.
“They departed from the original material and most of the things that were attractive in the original got left out,” says the Casualty heart-throb.
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11 May 2008
Simon MacCorkindale was a British actor, director, and writer, best known for his iconic roles in both television and film. With a career that spanned over four decades, he became a household name in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his diverse range of roles across various genres, from action and drama to science fiction.
Early Life and Background
Born on February 12, 1952, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, Simon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale grew up in a family with a rich military and artistic heritage. His father, Peter MacCorkindale, was a former RAF pilot, and his mother, Gill, came from a family with Scottish roots. Simon was the first-born child, with his younger brother Duncan working as an accountant. Raised in a well-rounded environment, Simon developed a passion for the arts at a young age. His talent for storytelling and performance was evident early on, setting the stage for his future career.
In 1984, Simon MacCorkindale married actress and long-time friend Susan George, marking a significant personal milestone in his life. Their bond, built on mutual respect and shared experiences in the entertainment industry, was a strong and enduring partnership. Together, they shared a love of animals and eventually became owners of the Georgian Arabians Arabian stud farm in Exmoor, UK. Their shared passion for horses and the serene life of rural England was a retreat from the often hectic pace of their careers in show business. Simon and Susan were known for their close-knit relationship, often working on various projects together and supporting each other both professionally and personally. Their marriage, lasting until Simon’s untimely death in 2010, stood as a testament to their deep connection and shared commitment to each other.
Career Highlights
Simon’s big break came in 1978 when he appeared in the film Death on the Nile, based on the famous Agatha Christie novel. His portrayal of Simon Doyle helped launch his career, making him a recognizable face in both the UK and abroad. Following this, Simon moved into television, where he became widely known for his role as Jonathan Chase in the 1983 TV series Manimal, a groundbreaking show where he played a man with the ability to transform into animals.
Notable TV Roles
In the early 1980s, Simon achieved further recognition with his role as Jonathan Chase in the cult classic Manimal (1983). The series, known for its mix of science fiction and action, saw Simon play a man with the ability to transform into animals, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The show’s premise, though short-lived, became a standout moment in Simon’s career.
Simon also made notable appearances in television dramas such as Falcon Crest (1984–1986), where he played the role of Greg Reardon, a character who quickly became entangled in the soap opera’s complex relationships. His time on Falcon Crest was pivotal, with Simon’s character becoming a significant part of the show’s intricate drama.
Simon MacCorkindale played the role of Peter Sinclair in the action-packed international spy drama Counterstrike (1990-1993). As a former cop turned security expert, Sinclair was a key member of a covert team tasked with taking down global threats. Simon brought a unique depth to the character, portraying a man driven by justice and resourcefulness, yet haunted by his past. His performance blended intense action with emotional complexity, allowing Sinclair to evolve from a tough, action-oriented hero to a more vulnerable, morally conflicted figure. Counterstrike gave Simon the chance to explore a different type of role compared to his earlier work, and it broadened his international appeal, introducing him to a global audience. The series was known for its fast-paced, high-stakes plots, and Simon’s portrayal of Sinclair was central to its success.
However, it was his portrayal of Harry Harper in the British medical drama Casualty (1999–2006) that became one of his most beloved and iconic roles. Simon played the charismatic, yet troubled, emergency room doctor for an impressive 230 episodes of Casualty, as well as 4 episodes of its spin-off show Holby City. Over his six-year run, Simon’s character became a key part of the show’s rich, emotional storytelling. His dedication to the role was evident, as he only missed 7 episodes in total throughout his time on the series, solidifying his place as one of the series’ most prominent characters.
Film Career
In addition to his work in television, Simon featured in the film The Riddle of the Sands (1979), a World War I espionage thriller based on the novel by Erskine Childers. Simon portrayed Arthur Davies, a key role in the suspense-filled narrative that involved naval intelligence and international intrigue. The film was a hit in its genre, showcasing Simon’s range in more dramatic, period pieces.
One of his most famous film roles came in Jaws 3D (1983), where he played Philip FitzRoyce, a character involved in the chaos caused by the great white shark terrorizing a theme park. While the film was more famous for its gimmick of 3D rather than critical acclaim, it was another major moment in Simon’s diverse filmography.
His film and TV roles often spanned across genres, from thrillers to romantic dramas, but Simon’s distinctive presence remained a constant across all his performances. Over the years, Simon’s body of work solidified his place in both British and American television and film, where he continues to be remembered for his performances in classic, genre-defining roles.
Stage Work and Theatre Performances
ne of Simon’s most notable stage roles was as Michael Starkwedder in Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest. This play, a gripping murder mystery, gave Simon the opportunity to showcase his ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. His performance was well-received, demonstrating his natural talent for suspenseful and psychological drama.
Simon also starred as Andrew Wyke in the classic thriller Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer. He performed in the production several times during the early 1980s, including a memorable run in the Hollywood theater scene during the revival of interest in British plays. Simon’s portrayal of Wyke, a wealthy playwright caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with his wife’s lover, earned critical praise for its intensity and wit. He later returned to Sleuth in a UK tour in 2008, highlighting his enduring connection to the stage and his mastery of intricate, intellectual characters.
Another of Simon’s stage triumphs came in the role of Captain Von Trapp in the beloved musical The Sound of Music. In this production, Simon made his debut in musical theater, a genre that was somewhat different from his usual work. His portrayal of the strict but loving father figure was both heartfelt and commanding, and the role allowed Simon to explore a more emotionally complex character in a beloved story. His performance was particularly notable for how he brought warmth and humanity to the iconic character, making it a memorable part of his stage career.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Simon MacCorkindale’s career spanned across multiple mediums and industries, and he left a lasting mark on television, film, and theater. His diverse roles and ability to transform into a variety of characters made him a respected figure in the entertainment world.
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06 March 2008
A DARK psychological thriller featuring top television stars will be on stage at the town’s theatre this week.
Sleuth, one of the greatest ever stage thrillers, is being performed at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until Saturday.
The play, written by Anthony Shaffer, promises to baffle even the most proficient sleuth so budding Miss Marples and Poirots should grab their magnifying glasses and book their seats.
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31 January 2008
YES sighs Simon MacCorkindale with mock irony, “I have gone down in history as the man who sacked Charlie Fairhead in Casualty.” The plot of the Christmas episode of the BBC1 drama made the right kind of headlines for the programme as actor Derek Thompson became the last member of the original cast to leave after 21 years.
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10 January 2008
ACTOR Simon MacCorkindale loves nothing more than a nail-bitingly good, edge-of-the-seat thriller, so he’s absolutely buzzing with enthusiasm ahead of his latest play, Sleuth, which opens in Windsor later this month.
First written by Anthony Shaffer, the Tony Award-winning play revolves around Simon’s character, Andrew Wyke, an immensely successful mystery writer, who is fascinated by psychological games and game-playing.
He lures his wife’s lover, Milo Tindle (played by Michael Praed), to his countryside manor house, where he subjects him to a tangled web of intrigue and manipulation. But ultimately nothing turns out quite as it seems.
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01 January 2008
Simon MacCorkindale is perhaps best recognized over the last few years as Harry Harper, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, in the BBC’s most popular and enduring drama series Casualty. Following his starring role in the successful 2007 tour of Agatha Christie’s Unexpected Guest, he now returns to the stage in Sleuth.
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03 October 2007
Series: GMTV
First Aired: 3rd October 2007
Description: Simon appeared on GMTV to discuss The Unexpected Guest and his Casualty return
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17 April 2007
This is the interview we managed to arrange for the site’s first birthday in April 2007 , though the interview was recorded late February. All answers are pretty much word for word what he replied. The interview was carried out at the Grand Theater in Wolverhampton. This is quite a long interview and the questions are out of order from when they were originally asked to make more sense.
Audio from the interview can be found on the forum
Question 000 – From shelliwood: How did you get the scar under your right eye?
How did I get the scar under my right eye? That happened when I was about 13 and I was playing cricket and I got hit by a cricket ball.
I hit a ball and it caught the edge of the bat and flew back up into my face, and hit me right under the eye, split it wide open. But it’s been there and I’ve used it, on a couple of jobs I did I actually highlighted it slightly and made it a feature of the character.
Did I use it in Manimal? Did I or not, do you know I can’t remember. I mean it was more noticeable, it become progressively less noticeable, I don’t even notice it anymore actually. I haven’t ever had anything done about it but as one’s face changes so does it. It also stated a little higher it was nearer my eye so it gets a bit lower, force of gravity (chuckle) or something like that.
Question 003 – From Kerri: Do you find it weird that there are fan sites about you?
I suppose I don’t find it weird because I did when it first happened and therefore having accepted it, I know it’s there.
When Lonna Poland approached my manager in California, which was probably 1982, she would know better than I, but I’m sure it was 1982, it seem to me to a very strange thing, seemed to be rather an American thing because I hadn’t really experienced it much in the UK. We discussed it, my manger said, ‘No this is really fairly normal and it’s not a bad things at all it’s good for PR, it a good way of communicating with fans and we can control a lot of thing so forth to a degree.’ So anyway I said to Lonna that we’d do it and we did. So having made that judgment, from then on I knew about fan sites and therefore I knew what it could be like and Lonna was exceptionally good at running it.
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02 April 2007
I joke around saying my Simon MacCorkindale obsession started with that scar, which is partly true. I think the place to start would be when/how I first discovered Simon.
I first watched Simon in Casually episode Deja Vu on UKTV Gold in 2005, I can still remember the exact scene (This one). Then a few days later I saw part of the first Manimal episode, again I still remember the scene clearly (This one), how could I forget a good looking, blond haired, blue eyed guy turning into a panther! It took me a few minutes to figure out it was the same guy from Casualty, pleasantly surprised, but was interested in finding out more, not only about Manimal but the actor.
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01 April 2007
What’s The Unexpected Guest about, Simon?
It’s the story of a man who arrives at a property in South Wales after having trouble with his car. When he enters the property he finds a dead body, and a woman who claims she’s responsible for the murder. The man, for a variety of reasons, decides to set about trying to give her an alibi…
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18 February 2007
The 55-year-old actor, who plays consultant Harry Harper in the BBC hospital drama, hit John Lilley in a narrow lane near Taunton, Somerset, in 2005.
But instead of stopping to help, he made the split-second decision to continue on to Casualty rehearsals in Bristol.
Half an hour later, his conscience got the better of him and he called an ambulance to the scene.
MacCorkindale then drove to a police station to report the accident.
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01 February 2007
IT was typical of a doctor to keep you waiting. When have they ever kept their appointment times?
But as my consultation was with one of Holby City’s finest medics, the stoical Harry Harper, I was prepared to wait.
In the four years that actor Simon MacCorkindale has worn the lead stethoscope and a furrowed brow in the BBC’s flagship Saturday night soap he has set more than a few hearts fluttering on and off set.
But can the 54-year-old actor cut the mustard while temporarily back in civvie street on stage at Milton Keynes Theatre this week in Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest?
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23 January 2007
Series: This Morning
First Aired: 23 January 2007
Description: Simon appeared on This Morning to discuss his current play The Unexpected Guest
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01 January 2007
Harry Harper is arguably TV’s most debonair doctor. But in the flesh, Casualty actor Simon MacCorkindale (55) is, if possible, even more dashing. Immaculately dressed and speaking in deep tones, which are every bit as reassuring and in control as his on-screen alter ego’s, he surely is every woman’s idea of a dream doctor. Many of the letters Simon receives express the wish that he was a real doctor.
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17 April 2006
The aim of this site has always been to build a large and extensive online resource of Simon MacCorkindale’s work for his fans
Some of the things this site has:
The Simon MacCorkindale Fan Page and Community* was started April 17th 2006 and became Semi-Official in September 2008
This site is updated as time allows, I have a lot more still to add so keep checking back
* Simon and Susan keeps calling this site his ‘Fan Club’ though I prefer the term ‘Fan Site’ to differentiate from the original Fan Club.
Want to know a little bit more about how the site started and what sources we use? See our site history, bibliography and thanks
Thanks to Susan for the new header image, photograph www.brianaris.com ©
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