Actor Sir David Suchet: How His Faith Impacted His Life in Cinema
By Allen Rushing, Movieguide® Contributor
If it is clear that Sir David Courtney Suchet is an unabashed Christian, it is equally clear that he is an accomplished cinematic icon; so much so that he was knighted by multiple members of the royal family for his services to drama and charity.
His life has been an illustrious one in the world of the performing arts.
Born in Paddington, London, UK on May 2, 1946, to parents Jack Suchet and Joan Patricia Jarche, David decided early on a career in acting and became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1973, rising to the status of one of its most dominant players. His outstanding stage roles include portrayals of the devilish villain, Iago, in Othello and the monstrous Caliban in The Tempest.
Stepping into the realm of British television, his first TV movie was a 1980 adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities. Over the next thirty+ years, he worked on various British and international films from TO KILL A PRIEST (1988), alongside Christopher Lambert, Ed Harris, and Tim Roth; MOSES (1995), in which he played Aaron; ALL MY SONS (2011) and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2015), among others.
However, by far his most famous performance is his celebrated portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, which he did for nearly 25 years (1988-2013). Considered by many to be the definitive Poirot, he towers above other equally talented actors such as Kenneth Branagh, Peter Ustinov, John Malkovich, Albert Finney, and others, who have taken on the role of Christie’s most well-known sleuth.
As he has taken on a wide range of roles over the years, often portraying villains as well as heroes, he says that when considering any role he has had to “get down on [his] knees” and “have a long talk with God” before making his final decision.
Suchet’s excellent acting and humble submission to God in his work reminds us of what Paul says in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
As a cinematic and spiritual inspiration to many throughout Europe and the Americas, we salute Sir David Courtney Suchet on his career of doing what all good actors do – making the characters of good stories come glowingly to life.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
