Famous For: Television and film star best known for 'Shelley'

Trivia: He is a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Biography: Hywel Bennett found fame early making the roles of "angry young men" his own. He became something of a 'sixties icon and in 1966 starred with Hayley Mills and John Mills in the classic Boulting Brothers film, 'The Family Way'. Coincidentally, the accompanying music for the film was written by Paul McCartney - it was his first film score.

In 1969 he appeared in 'The Virgin Soldiers' with Lynn Redgrave and Nigel Davenport.

He starred again with Hayley Mills in 1972 in the film 'Endless Night', starring alongside Britt Ekland and George Sanders.

Hywel's career has been prolific, playing a broad range of roles on stage and screen. He found his biggest television success in the long-running television sitcom 'Shelley', first on our screens from 1979 to 1992. He played the title role of idle graduate James Shelley, who meanders through life using only a laconic wit for exercise.

Other television hits include 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy', 'Pennies From Heaven', and 'Karaoke'.

Hywel returned to our TV screens in May 2003 when he joined 'Eastenders' as Jack Dalton, a feared gangland boss who presides over London's East End.

Hywel says of his new role: "I've attempted almost everything in my marathon career, but have never tackled a soap before. I consider EastEnders to be the best there is and regard it as another notch on the bedpost."

Ted Hayward replies to an earlier query:
"As a follow-up to this earlier correspondence on the website, and particularly Eric Wilson's enquiry, I'm pleased to confirm that a formal Old Thorntonians Association has now been set up. The next reunion will be held in September 2007".

Eric Wilson of Australia has this question:
" Is there a reunion website for former students of Henry Thorton Grammar school?"

John Hawkes says:
"Try Friends Reunited site for oldboy contacts etc".

Jonathan Knopp of Warlingham remembers Hywel:
"I remember Hywel Bennett very well indeed - he was in the year above mine at Henry Thornton - Fred Sedgwick who made an earlier comment was in the same year as me. Hywel was also a fine middle distance runner, winning the 1 mile race in the school sports at Tooting Bec track. He was also the narrator for the school production of "The Play of Daniel" an opera directed by the well known music writer Albert Chatterley - although Hywel was not a singer, his narration still stole the show."

Fred Sedgwick of Ipswich says:
"I remember Hywel Bennett at Henry Thornton. He played Hamlet in the school play, while my little twelve year old brother was his mother Gertrude! He once tackled me hard in a school house football match."

David of Chelmsford was in school with Hywel Bennet:
"Hywel was indeed educated at Henry Thornton Grammar School. Not surprisingly he starred in all school plays. I remember a school cricket tour with him when he was about 16 or 17 I should think. He wasn't the best cricketer we had, but what an actor! I think that his talent has never been fully realised."

Claire from Northants replies to Patricia's question:
"Yes he did - not sure if that was his name but he appeared in 'Malice Aforethought' where he got away with murdering his wife (which he did) but then was convicted of murdering someone he didn't murder and was sentenced to be hanged. He was a Dr. and had his hair black with a moustache. Being a child and a fan of Shelley, I was quite upset he was a 'baddie'!

Barry from Melborne Derby answers Jack's question:
"Hywel did attend Henry Thornton School in the 1960s. Always a big star in the school Xmas plays. His brother Alun (ex Henry Thornton) is also an actor but uses the last name Lewis."

Ruth from Orlando, Florida says:
"Patricia wants to know if he starred in a murder mystery back in the 80s. He was Dr. something-or-other in 'Malice Aforethought' (spine chilling performance). Let's remember his (more forgetful) role in the movie 'Percy' too! He happens to be a third cousin of mine, but I remember meeting him only once when I was a child at my aunt's farm near Llanelli."

Can you help to answer Patricia's question on Hywel Bennett:
"Did Hywel Bennett appear in a murder mystery drama on TV (possibly in the eighties) as a character called Dr. Bickley? I should be very grateful if you could let me know as I referred to it in a conversation recently when Hywel Bennett turned up in Eastenders this year."

Alison is a massive fan of Hywel Bennett and this is what she has to say:
"I've been a fan for as long as I can remember and thought it was such a shame when 'Shelley' ended. I can't think of a single sitcom that has measured up to it since. It would be nice to see him on TV more often than we see him at the moment as he is always excellent in the roles he plays."

Joe Kearney has been in contact with us and he is looking for information relating to Hywel Bennett:
"Hywel narrated a version of Handel's Messiah. I am keen to track down this recording, but cannot remember the exact title or catolgue number. Can anyone help me please?"

Can you help Grant?
"I'm looking to get hold of a cassette or cd of Hywel Bennett's comedy called 'The English Language'. Can anyone help?"

Moment of Glory: Household fame as the eponymous star of 'Shelley'

Do you know which school Hywel Bennett attended? Jack Boddaert thinks he can remember Hywel in school:"I think he was educated at Henry Thornton Grammar School in Clapham, London. I remember boxing against him at the age of 12 or 13." Have Your Say on Hywel and we'll add your comments - email us or fill in fill in this pop-up form.