Your Stories

I first saw Timothy Dalton in a TV showing of "The Lion in Winter". He took over the screen! I thought, what a great actor, and sought out his other projects. How happy I was that he was chosen to be the next James Bond, but disappointed that there were only two films made. He was Ian Fleming's James Bond. Whether in dramas or comedies, historical or modern dress, there was never a dull film or TV program that Timothy didn't enliven. Too bad "Masterpiece Theatre" did not cast him in its' series. Timothy, we are looking forward to seeing you in many more roles in the future.
Helen M.

I first saw Tim in Jane Eyre I was then hooked on his movies. I have watched Jane Eyre over 25 times. I have also read the book.
delores remenicky

Timothy Dalton, compared to other actors,is exceptional and incomparable. The way he speaks with his charming and deep voice,his striking green eyes and his outstanding personality all contribute to his being an amazing actor. He truly is unique in the sense that his acting penetrates me to the very core.I have watched many of his movies and after each one, I am further astonished at his immense level of rare talent. True talent like this is hard to find, especially in today's culture and media.I am also grateful to Debra Best for her help with any question I have to ask .She is a good friend and a very devoted fan.
mariana

I am a Georgian. I’ve mentioned my nationality because of Timothy Dalton should know that he has fans all over the World and even in small southern, beautiful country Georgia. I almost fell in love with Timothy Dalton when I saw his acting in Jane Eyre. I was teenager that time. Until today I couldn’t forget impression of gorgeous look, strong personality and deep, lovely, amazing voice with British accent... Does everyone from his fans have the same Romantic Fillings about him as I do?! Of course, yes, yes and yes. His charming eyes, good looks and beautiful acting makes Timothy very, very, very special, very pleasant. James Bond with such a velvety voice is unforgettable …I'm thankful and grateful of Debra Best. In every E-mail I call her Lovely British Australian and she is truly excellent Person. Beside her Web-Site, Debra sends to everyone from the Fan’s group each small detail about Timothy Dalton and his projects which gives me a lot pleasure and sense of proud. You can read information about Timothy Dalton on different Web-Sites. But Debra Best’s site drew my attention because of a lot of information, design and fans involved in it too. And Very important part is that information is updated. Thanks for your Job, Lovely Deb! With love to every Tim’s Fan from Brick, NJ, USA.
Ruso(USA)

An exceptionally talented actor and a fine ambassador for British theatre and film.
Hugh

I belong to Deb's group online as I have been a Timothy fan for many years. I can't quite remember when I became one but it had to be when Jane Eyre was originally on PBS - I think I saw it and thought - who is that handsome man with the beautiful voice to die for playing Rochester? Having been a huge fan of Bronte's novel since it was the first 'adult' book other than Jack London's books in my life - I read it when I was 11 - Rochester and his romance with Jane made a huge impression on my young heart - and the idea that a man could love a woman like THAT sort of set an ideal in my mind for what I would like to find. I have since seen many versions of Jane Eyre; and while Orson Welles or George C Scott probably physically come a bit closer to looking more like Rochester, Dalton's VOICE for me - and his rugged looks still 'fit' Rochester the most perfectly - and I think his acting (as well as the book adaptation) portrayed the CHARACTER of Rochester best in any version made. It still ranks as one of my favorite shows of all time. I have also loved Timothy's performances in Wuthering Heights, Beautician and the Beast - a little gem that didn't get the good reviews it deserved - especially with Patrick Malahide alongside - another brilliant actor - in the BBC Shakespeare plays Anthony & Cleopatra, in Possessed, in Florence Nightingale, etc. I wish Peter Jackson would consider him for his next Tolkien venture - I think his voice equals in beauty and majesty Ian McKellan's and Christopher Lee's - two other actors with wonderful stage voices. Someone said that they could listen to Timothy read the phone book and enjoy the sound and I agree.
Moira G

Timothy first touched my heart when he played Heathcliffe, a very powerful experience, which has continued to this day. After that first "touch" the emotions were cemented whilst watching Jane Eyre.Whatever he is involved in, his timing,and emotional commitment is spot on. I do not have a favourite work of Timothy`s, there are many works of his that I revisit constantly. Thanks to Deb, who`s baby the Chat Group is, I have been made to feel part of a team of loyal supporters who genuinely admire the unique and special person Timothy is.I would love to see more of him in England, performing for us on stage and screen.My greatest wish is to see him perform live, which is a joy I have so far missed out on. His voice and presence on a stage would complete the journey I have shared with him over the years.Thank you Timothy for all the enjoyment that you have given to me and so many others. Please give us more.
Kath D

Thank you, BBC Derby, for this wonderful site and for the opportunity to discuss one of my favorite actors of all time. Timothy Dalton is, without a doubt, the “Pavarotti” of actors. I’ve seen most of the Jane Eyre adaptations, and Mr. Dalton’s was by far the best. I felt every emotion that he and Ms. Clarke exuded. There was such a wonderful give and take between the two characters. To me, Ms. Clarke’s generosity in her role prompted much of Mr. Dalton’s success and delivery as Mr. Rochester. He was gruff and brooding, tender and loving; while gracious Jane clung to her feelings until such time was deemed necessary for her to let loose and proclaim her love for him. Mr. Dalton had my undivided attention throughout the series. He just oozed with passion and torment—taunting and sadistic, at times, and often playful; and his timing and expressions were impeccable. Of course, he was far too handsome, since the character, Mr. Rochester, was not. But oh, he soon had me concentrating less on the external and more on the internal. Mr. Dalton, in my opinion, is one of the most gifted and underrated actors in America and abroad. He is vintage--first-rate! I’d say he’s been working fairly steadily but not enough to suit me. It would be wonderful, for a change, if we could see Mr. Dalton for more than two minutes in a scene, much less be killed off in the third or fourth act. But I suppose even a glimpse of him now and then is better than not seeing him at all. As for his two Bond films, Mr. D. had the courage to change 007’s persona, knowing all along that there would be much criticism and comparisons made. In my opinion, Timothy Dalton was the best Bond of them all. He gave “character” to the character! His 007 was a “man with skin,” who possessed real emotions, but was quite ruthless as well.
Patricia Georgini, Pennsylvania, USA

I review many films and plays each year. Timothy Dalton, became to me outstand because of his timing and control of his voice and the ability to bring you into the moment.
Mavis Ratcliff

I had seen Timothy in LTK when I was a teen. I liked the movie and thought he was handsome. It was not until 2 years ago, and me a little older!, when I watched Jane Eyre, did I realize how gorgeous and talented Timothy is! I was mesmerized watching Mr. Rochester! Timothy is so beautiful and intense as Rochester, showing a man struggling with so many emotions. I have seen many of his movies now. I think Timothy is a smart, intense and serious actor. I have seen Timothy likes to tackle roles with characters who are not what they seem, good guys who have dark undertones. I was lucky enough to have a fellow member of Deb's group track me down Hawks. Bancroft is my 2nd favorite role of Timothy's. He shows us humor and emotion not seen before. A must see for Timothy fans! I want to thank Deb for all the work she does for the fan club-best on the web!!! She keeps all of us informed of Timothy's career!
Alicia G.

I first came across Timothy by chance while flipping through TV channels and a Bond film was on. I started watching and realized this is a James Bond I didn't know, but very nice looking. I was hooked. I then started to look for other work of his and came across Jany Eyre. Seing his great talent in two such completely opposite roles made me a real fan. I quickly realized this is not only a very handsome man but a very talented one. I started to look for any other work of his, which was not an easy task. In looking for this, I became aware of his on-line fan club. Although I did not "officially" join this group, Debra Best was kind enough to include me by always sending me updates and helping me find anything Timothy related I was looking for. I am thrilled to be part of his fan club, as I greatly admire his work, and I have all of it that can be obtained. Timothy should think about doing some theatre, perhaps something on Broadway, as I understand he loves theatre and it would be such a thrill to be able to see him live on stage. So what do you say Timothy? Make us all happy and go for it!
Alina G.

I'm French,so,I'm sorry for my basic English...Nevertheless, I joigned Debra's group for years now, and I would not resume in a word how much I admire this so talentuous actor, and also the precious character that he could be in life too. I saw all his movies, and my favourite is "the King's whore",where he was amazing, intense...I love any drama's with him, and also the two "Bond's", he was really good in the role, and dark as D.Craig is properly now. He's a gorgeous shakespearian actor, and would be any kind of role.I also adored him in "Framed", in bad guy, he was fantastic.The French version is not cut, which is really better. He's also tender and generous as a father, and would be wonderful in a movie like "state of play", for example. He gave me dream, hope,expectations, and I thank this marvellous man to offer so much without knowing how. Elisabeth Selles-Cassar,44,from Nice (FR)
Elisabeth Selles-Cassar

Also a big fan of Timothy Dalton from seeing him in Jane Eyre; I wish they would show it more often on TV. He has the most beautiful voice of any actor in TV or film. After Jane Eyre, I joined Deb.'s group and I had to have everything he did on films or TV. My dream is to see him on stage. It is such a shame that we don't see enough of him in films or TV.
Doris M.

I first noticed Timothy Dalton when the local TV channel broadcasted James Bond movie-marathon, around the time when Casino Royale was released. I watched The Living Daylights and realized that James Bond could be taken seriously. After watching many of Dalton's movies, my favourite work of him will always be Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre. It's a dark charater and the bitterness and anger in Dalton makes the pleading scene very moving. Before this movie, I had watched 1 movie version, read 1 abridged book, and listened to 1 musical; but only Dalton could make me go to a bookstore to buy the unabridged Jane Eyre book!
Inge

Timothy Dalton is the greatest actor. I first saw him in Jane Eyre and I have been a devoted fan ever since. I love his intensity and the emotion he puts in all of his roles. We are so lucky to have him and also lucky to have Debra as she helps us keep in touch with his projects and is so very loyal to him. Thank you!!
Margie LaSala

Debra wrote an excellent article and has so much loyalty to Timothy and all of his fans. She looks great standing next to Timothy. I consider Debra a great friend and Timothy the greatest actor around.
Margie LaSala

I attended Herbert Strutts School in Belper at the same time as TD. I recall his little brother stuck chewing gum in my hair. I think TD, being tall and good looking, was one of my many crushes -- more than 40 years ago now!!!
S Downing

This a very well written peice about a very talented actor. I myself have been a fan of Timothy Dalton for over 20 years and like Debra Best have enjoyed his many works, both on stage and screen. I have also known Debra Best for nearly 8 years and her website is very well run and very professional.
pauline botting

Apart from Connery, the much-maligned Dalton was the best Bond. He brought the character back down to earth and made him into a believable, serious, very hard and tough-as-nails secret agent. Dalton's Rochester remains the definitive, most three-dimensional portrayal of the character, no one has matched its emotional impact since. I've enjoyed many of Dalton's TV, film and theatrical works over the years. He had lots of success on stage but it's very frustrating that such a talented, intelligent actor did not have more success on film or TV.
Laura

Amazing – that is exactly the reason I started to watch Timothy's work and become a big fan of his (more than 20 years now.). I was fortunate to meet him during "His Dark Materials" play in London and he truly is an amazing person.
Niva (Israel)