Do You Know Who I Am?: A Memoir

A memoir of theatrical life and much more by Tim Pigott-Smith, one of the best known and most prodigiously talented actors of his generation. From his appearance as Ronald Merrick in the television adaptation of The Jewel in the Crown to his recent role in the hit play King Charles III, Tim Pigott-Smith has been recognised as one of Britain's most loved contemporary actors. On stage his work encompassed the Bristol Old Vic, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, West End and Broadway. He acted with Jeremy Irons, Charles Dance, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, Peggy Ashcroft and Judi Dench and collaborated with a host of famous directors, from his late friend Howard Davies, to John Huston and Peter Hall. In his memoir, Do You Know Who I Am?, Pigott-Smith describes the actor's craft with witty anecdotes and fascinating insight. He recalls his childhood and early beginnings in the paint shop at the RSC Stratford, the life of a jobbing actor in 1960s and 70s London, strange meetings with glamorous Hollywood producers, filming a football match with Pelé in Hungary, the epic Indian saga of The Jewel in the Crown and more recent projects such as Mike Bartlett's King Charles III, first performed at the Almeida Theatre and later transferred to Wyndham's Theatre in the West End, Broadway and to film. What is the story of Judi Dench and the black glove? What was it like to visit Michael Caine's LA mansion? How does one produce the character of the complex and unforgettable Corporal Merrick? Humorously written, warm, engaging and accompanied by black and white photographs, Do You Know Who I Am? is an entertaining memoir from one of our great acting talents. Tim Pigott-Smith died in April 2017, shortly before this book was published, having passed final proofs for press.

Table of Contents:
Illustrations 1 A Skeleton in the Cupboard 2 Shakespeare's Birthplace 3 Shakespeare's School 4 The Right Direction 5 The Real Thing 6 At Last 7 The RSC, Stratford 8 The RSC, London 9 Washington DC 10 The Big Apple 11 Backwards a Bit 12 Sideways 13 Upwards a Bit 14 The TV Club 15 Escape 16 Finding Merrick 17 Being Merrick 18 After Merrick 19 Dame Peg 20 The Bitter Smell of Success 21 Back to the Theatre 22 The Black Glove 23 Compass 24 The Chief 25 Endgame 26 Stepping Stones 27 Further Steps 28 A King on Broadway 29 Do You Know Who I Am? Index

About the Author :
Tim Pigott-Smith OBE was a British actor who trained at the Bristol Old Vic before beginning a career in theatre, television and film including King Lear, King Charles III, The Jewel in the Crown, Enron, Pygmalion, Sherlock Holmes, The Chief, Miranda, Escape to Victory, Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans and V for Vendetta. He died shortly before this book was published, in April 2017.

Review :
Charming and engrossing … This is a memoir that young actors should read to understand the graft needed to succeed. Pigott-Smith writes how he acts: with precision and panache. Exquisitely written … Tim was such a remarkable man and a remarkable actor. Now it is clear he was a remarkable writer too.