‘He punched a polar bear on the nose!’ Ninety glorious years of Brian Blessed

Peeing in the sink he shared with Derek Jacobi, making a badger video with Brian May, climbing Everest with Alan Hinkes … as the great actor blasts into his 90s, stars celebrate his ‘loudness and madness’

‘He punched a polar bear on the nose!’ Ninety glorious years of Brian Blessed

TL;DR

  • Brian Blessed is celebrated by colleagues for his immense energy, charisma, and unique personality as he turns 90.
  • Anecdotes shared include his belief in the benefits of cold, his outspoken nature, and his memorable roles in productions like 'Henry V', 'I, Claudius', and 'Flash Gordon'.
  • He is described as a 'force', 'mighty wind', and 'great tree of life' with a deep capacity for kindness and sensitivity beneath his bombastic exterior.
  • His influence extended to mentoring younger actors, advocating for animal causes, and his memorable performance in the 'Flash Gordon' soundtrack.
  • Despite his larger-than-life persona, he is also remembered for his quiet contemplation, supportive nature, and passion for life's adventures, including climbing Everest.