Raised in working-class neighborhood in South London

While earning extra money as a scenery painter and stage designer, made acting debut in stage comedy, "Hindle Wakes" in Wimbledon

Joined the RSC; appeared in "The Taming of the Shrew", "As You Like It" and other productions

Starred in the title role of the RSC award-winning 81/2 hour production, "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby"

Reprised role of Nicholas Nickleby in syndicated TV miniseries

Appeared in first feature films "Saigon--Year of the Cat" and "Star 80"

Named associate director with Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company

Co-wrote plays,"Double-Double" and "Elephant Manse" with Eric Elice

Played recurring role on NBC sitcom "Cheers"

Played Prince Charles in ABC biopic "Charles & Diana: Unhappily Ever After"

Co-starred on short-lived Fox series "M.A.N.T.I.S"

Provided voice of Prince Malcolm, a recurring character on the syndicated animated series "Gargoyles"

Joined cast of the NBC sitcom "Boston Common"

Played Peter Quince in "William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Directed and starred in a stage production of "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival

Staged Off-Broadway revival of Shaw's "Arms and the Man"

Appeared on Broadway alongside Derek Jacobi in Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya"

Directed the play "The Late Middle Classes" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival

Played John Adams in the L.A. Reprise! staging of "1776"

Cast opposite Steve Martin in a prequel to the 1964 Peter Sellers original film "The Pink Panther"

Co-starred with Mary McDonnell in the independent feature "Crazy Like a Fox"