Suave actor known for his roles in Falcon Crest and Casualty
In common with his contemporaries Jeremy Irons, Michael York and Hugh Grant, the actor Simon MacCorkindale, who has died of cancer aged 58, on screen projected the very English persona of an ex-public schoolboy. But unlike them, MacCorkindale never made it big in films. Nevertheless, his “posh” accent, his suave demeanour and patrician good looks made him a natural for roles in television soap operas, from the opulent mansions of Falcon Crest (1984-1986), to the hospital corridors of Casualty (2002-2008). In the latter, he played the autocratic clinical consultant Harry Harper, who ran Holby City hospital’s emergency department. A doctor of the old school, he sweeps through the wards, advising, cajoling, admonishing and seducing colleagues and patients alike.
THE actor Simon MacCorkindale has died after a four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
The 58-year-old, who had a wide-ranging career including six years in the BBC medical drama Casualty as Dr Harry Harper, died on Thursday in the arms of his wife, the actress Susan George at a London clinic.
Miss George said: “To me, he was simply the best of everything, and I loved him with all my heart. He will live on in me forever.”
Actor who specialised in handsome, roguish charmers and was once hailed as the new Errol Flynn
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
CASUALTY star Simon MacCorkindale died peacefully in his wife’s arms after bravely battling cancer in secret.
Devastated actress Susan George said yesterday: “No one could have fought this disease any harder. To me, he was simply the best of everything, and I loved him with all my heart.”
The suave actor, whose wide-ranging career also took in US shows Manimal and Falcon Crest, died on Thursday night aged 58.
TV smoothie Simon MacCorkindale has lost his four-year battle with cancer.
The 58-year-old – Dr Harry Harper in Casualty – died in the arms of wife Susan George.
“He was the best of everything,” she said.
Simon, star of Casualty, dies in arms of his wife Susan George
SIMON MacCorkindale, the film star who became a stalwart of the BBC drama Casualty, has died after a four-year battle with cancer.
The 58-year-old died in the arms of his wife, Susan George, at a clinic in Harley Street.
In a statement released last night, the actress said: ‘No one could have fought this disease any harder than he did since being diagnosed four years ago.
‘He fought it with such strength, courage and belief. Last night, he lost this battle, and he died peacefully in my arms.
TELL WHY THEY ARE FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVE AS THEY TACKLE HIS ILLNESS TOGETHER
‘Simon is not dying of cancer – he’s living with it, That’s really important’
Actor Simon MacCorkindale is looking a picture of health, riding his quad bike across the Exmoor farm he shares with his actress wife Susan George. His rosy cheeks and positive energy make the knowledge that he is battling cancer all the harder to comprehend.
It was only last month that former Casualty star Simon, 57, revealed the secret he’d been harbouring for three and a half years. During that time, he’d thrown himself into a grueling work schedule. A schedule he now admits was ridiculous given that, when not filming the BBC medical drama, he was undergoing surgery for bowel cancer.
After that, he took on two national tours and the exacting role of Captain Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music in the West End, while quietly coping with the knowledge that the cancer had spread to his lungs.
But Simon is not the sort of character to sit and brood over what life throws at him.
Being told he may have only five years to live has made him all the more determined to confound the doctors’ prognosis.
“There’s not a single cancer that exists that someone hasn’t survived, so therefore nothing is incurable,” he says in his distinctive deep voice
“Never underestimate the power of the mind and spirit.”
This positive approach, coupled with homeopathic treatments and a macrobiotic diet has, he says, yielded significant results.
“I have rarely felt fitter or had more energy,” he says. But, right now, he has reduced his workload as he undergoes a six-month course of chemotherapy, a treatment that he believes will shrink the cancer and stop it spreading.
SIMON MACCORKINDALE
Casualty star has terminal cancer
Actor Simon MacCorkindale has revealed he is dying of lung cancer. The 57-year-old former Casualty star, who has been married to actress Susan George for 25 years, was treated for bowel cancer in 2006, but was told he’d make a full recovery. However, a year later it was found the cancer had spread to his lungs. Doctors have told him he may have just three years to live. “It came as a complete bombshell I thought I had beaten it,” he said. “But I don’t want people to think that I’m on the way out. I’m not – I’m as active as I’ve ever been.
CASUALTY star Simon MacCorkindale has revealed that he is suffering from terminal cancer after keeping it secret for three years.
Simon, 57, who played consultant Harry Harper in the BBC medical drama, first experienced stomach cramps while filming for the programme in Bristol in 2006.
Shortly afterwards, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Doctors Gave Me 5 Years to Live . . But I’ll Beat It
CASUALTY STAR SIMON TALKS MOVINGLY OF THREE YEAR BATTLE WITH CANCER
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.”
When Simon MacCorkindale suddenly left TV’s Casualty no one suspected that he was keeping a tragic secret: he had cancer and had been given just five years to live. Now, in this raw and inspiring interview, he and his wife Susan George reveal their daily battle to be strong – and prove doctors wrong
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.’
Simon and Susan speak with the News of the World and Daily Mail about his brave continuing battle with cancer. Beautifully dignified interviews about this three year struggle. Brilliant man describing his inspirational journey over the past three years.
A message of support has already been sent to Simon from the site. We obviously will continue sending our devoted love and support to both Simon & Susan for the future & believe one hundred percent he will get through this.
They are both in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
This page contains:
– Films or series staring or produced/directed by Simon
– Tapes/CDs or DVD’s when Simon has done audio books or voice overs
– Photos and posters
– Films or series which Simon has been in part of not all (i.e. Casualty)
– Films or series that have a Simon connection (i.e. the original Sleuth or Sound of Music Film, also a few Susan George DVD’s)
– Some films, books and songs Simon has said he likes
If you’re looking for a specific item that is not listed send us a message via the ‘Contact Us‘ link below and we’ll try and see if it’s available anywhere.
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Remember when buying DVD’s and video’s that the format/region is correct as American DVD’s will not play on most British DVD players and vice versa
We will only list officially released DVD’s, video’s, book’s etc
Some items are not available at all on DVD so where this happens we will only list the VHS, these are generally second hand items and quality varies
Simon plays Paris who has a reasonable role in this. There are several versions of this with different actors - make sure your buying the right one. Buy at Amazon.co.uk | Search for at eBay
Simon has a main role in this film. There are several versions of this with different actor - make sure your buying the right one. If you need help drop us a message with the link you're looking at for us to check Buy at Amzon.co.uk | Search for at eBay
Simon has a main role in this series. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
1980
DVD
Cabo Blanco
Simon has a main role in this. There is a version of this DVD with U.S Marshall on it as well - this version is not very good quality so it's not recommended. Search for at eBay
Simon has a main role in this. A French DVD of this can sometimes be found on eBay, as well as old VHS versions. The French version doesn't have an English soundtrack, French only. Amazon sell a US region one version Buy at Amazon.co.uk seller | Search for at eBay
Simon has a main role in this. This is only available as VHS, if you find a DVD chances is it's not an original so the quality could vary. Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
Simon narrates. You might find other version narrated by other people so check before buying. Occasionally available on eBay Search for at eBay
1993
Audio Tape
Stone Cold by John Francome
Simon narrates. You might find other version narrated by other people so check before buying. Occasionally available on eBay Search for at eBay
1995
DVD
At The Midnight Hour
Simon has a main role in this. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price. On eBay you'll find a version that was given away free with the UK Daily Mail as well as official US releases Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
1995
DVD
The Way to Dusty Death
Simon has a main role in this. Generally only European versions with an English soundtrack as well as European languages are available Search for at eBay
Simon is in one episode of this series: Charity. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
1997
DVD
While My Pretty One Sleeps
Simon has a reasonable role in this. As well as the official releases there is a Daily Mail edition which was given away free with the newspaper. Buy at Amazon.co.uk | Search for at eBay
1997
DVD
Running Wild
Simon has a reasonable role in this. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
1999
DVD
The Girl Next Door
Simon has a main role in this film. There is several films with the same name as this, make sure you're buying the correct film. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
Simon has a main role in this. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
2000
DVD
Earth: Final Conflict - Series 3
Simon is in one episode of this series: Scorched Earth. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy from Amazon.co.uk Seller | Search for at eBay
2001
DVD
Queen of Swords
Simon is in one episode of this series: Runaways. This is only available at Amazon.fr - says it's only in French but does have English audio as well Buy from Amazon.fr |
2002
DVD
Relic Hunter - Series 3
Simon is in 3 episodes of this series, Sydney at 10, Hunting With The Enemy and So Shall It Be
This is only available at Amazon.ca - cheap DVD but slightly expensive shipping, which bring the cost up to a standard DVD boxset Buy from Amazon.ca
For fans of Simon and you're not quite sure what to get them? Give them some vouchers from one of these and let them choose them self. Gift vouchers from Amazon.co.uk
Produced/Written/Directed by Simon
DVD
Stealing Heaven
Simon's company produced this. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy at Amazon | Search for at eBay
Produced/Written/Directed by Simon
DVD
That Summer of White Roses
Simon credits on this include writer and producer. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy at Amazon | Search for at eBay
Digital Download Buy at Amazon
Produced/Written/Directed by Simon
DVD/Digital
Such a Long Journey
Simon's company produced this film. This is only available as an American Region 1 DVD. This is available at Amazon but only from their 'sellers' - similar to eBay but at a fixed price Buy at Amazon | Search for at eBay
Digital Download Buy at Amazon
Simon's Favourites
MP3
The Pearl Fishers' Duet
When asking Simon what was the last piece of music he's listened to he's mentioned this one a couple of times Buy at Amazon
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.
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.
The 56-year-old Casualty star and producer reflects on religion, marriage and difficult times
Age is just a number
I don’t think of myself as getting older, so I still behave like a youngster! I haven’t calmed down or slowed down. My passion for acting and producing is as strong as it’s always been and I’m working harder than ever – currently in The Sound of Music. It’s my fourth job in a year and I don’t see why I should slow down just because I’m getting older.
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).
So What’s It like Being Married to The World’s Sexiest Woman?
Friends with Prince Charles. Wed to Susan George. New Star of The Sound Of Music . . . it’s not easy being Simon MacCorkindale
Simon MacCorkindale will, I suspect, make a rather good Captain Von Trapp; not least because he appears to share some of the characteristics of The Sound Of Music’s famously stern Austrian paterfamilias.
There’s the brisk, martial manner for starters, a certain lack of levity and an absolute absence of sentimentality.
Simon, who takes over the captain’s role in the hit West End musical on Monday, is rehearsing the part with his habitual fastidious attention to detail when I arrive at the London Palladium to meet him.
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.
(Mainly a Sleuth review)
Thanks to Sylvia for this article
THE stage is set for the ultimate game of chance this week – played out in this version of the Anthony Shaffer classic by two of the most attractive actors in the business. Simon MacCorkindale (best-known for his role of Harry Harper in Casualty) plays Andrew Wyke, who takes on his wife’s lover Milo Tindle (played by Michael Praed of Robin of Sherwood fame) in the biggest game of his life – and there can only be one winner.