Mel Smith

In 1981, Smith and Griff Rhys-Jones founded TalkBack Productions, a company which has produced many of the most significant British comedy shows of the past two decades, including Smack the Pony, Da Ali G Show, I’m Alan Partridge and Big Train. Whitmore has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6611 Hollywood Blvd. This was followed breifly by Smith and Goody (with Bob Goody) and then the comedy sketch series Alas Smith and Jones, co-starring Griff Rhys Jones, its title being a pun on the name of the American TV series Alias Smith and Jones. To a younger generation, he is probably best known, in addition to his role in Shawshank, as the commercial spokesman for Miracle-Gro plant food for many years. He is made his breakthrough in the topically satirical BBC television series Not the Nine O'clock News. and the grandfather of actor James Whitmore III. Mel Smith (born December 3, 1952) British actor, film director, writer, producer born in London, England. He is the father of actor James Whitmore Jr.

Twelfth Night (1996) - Sir Toby Belch. Whitmore's last major role was that of librarian Brooks Hatlen in the critically-acclaimed and Academy award-nominated 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. Brain Donors (aka Lame Ducks) (1992) - Rocco Melonchek. Howard in the 1975 TV movie I Will Fight No More Forever, based on the 1877 conflict between the United States and the Nez Perce tribe, led by Chief Joseph. Wilt (from a novel by Tom Sharpe) (1989) - Inspector Flint. Howard also appeared as General Oliver O. Grimshaw. Truman.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (1988) - Mr. Other major films included The Asphalt Jungle, The Next Voice You Hear, Kiss Me, Kate, Them!, Black Like Me and Give 'em Hell, Harry!, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of former President of the United States Harry S. The Princess Bride (1987) - The Albino. His first major movie was Battleground, for which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Morons from Outer Space (1985) - Bernard; also co-wrote the script with Griff Rhys Jones. Following the war, Whitmore appeared on Broadway, where he won a special Tony Award in 1948. Slayground (1983) - Terry Abbatt. Born in White Plains, New York, Whitmore graduated from Yale University before serving in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

Bullshot (1983) - Crouch. James Whitmore (born October 1, 1921) is an American film actor. The Tall Guy (1989). Radioland Murders (1994). High Heels and Low Lifes (2001).

Bean (1997). Too Much Sun (2000). A Gala Comedy Hour (Best Of The Prince's Trust (1996). Amnesty International's Big 30 (1991).

Smith And Jones (1989). Comedians Do It On Stage (1986). Weekend In Wallop (1984). Alas Smith And Jones (1982).

Fundamental Frolics (1981). Smith And Goody (1980). Not The Nine O'clock News (1979). A Gala Comedy Hour (Best Of The Prince's Trust (1996).

The Night Of Comic Relief (1995). Comic Relief (1991). Amnesty International's Big 30 (1991). Smith And Jones (1989).

Colin's Sandwich (1988). The World According To Smith And Jones (1987). The Home-made Xmas Video (1987). Comedians Do It On Stage (1986).

Weekend In Wallop (1984). Alas Smith And Jones (1982). Fundamental Frolics (1981). Smith And Goody (1980).

Not The Nine O'clock News (1979).