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John Benfield

British actor John Benfield accrued a long list of onscreen appearances in a career that began in 1981 with a supporting role in the TV sci-fi miniseries "The Day of the Triffids." After this kitschy entry into television, Benfield began balancing parts in TV movies with small roles in a number of British TV series, including the historical drama "By the Sword Divided," the gruff detective drama "Bulman," and the long-running crime thriller "Eurocops." In 1991 the dour-looking character actor landed the part of DCS Michael Kernan on the TV movie crime drama "Prime Suspect." This detective-driven narrative starred Helen Mirren and proved wildly popular, spawning six sequels in which Benfield reprised his role. In 1999, he took a memorable turn in the short-lived Simon Pegg sitcom "Hippies," on which he played the doddering dad. Though the series didn't last, it did draw notice to Benfield's comedic chops, which led to his recurring role in the cheeky wedding-blues sitcom "The Worst Week of My Life." While known predominantly for his work in British television, the talented supporting player has earned roles in a number of films, among them the puppy-packed family adventure "101 Dalmations," the Wachowski siblings' colorful action movie "Speed Racer," and the World War II-set thriller "Charlotte Gray." Benfield continued to work in film and television, but grew more selective as the years progressed. John Benfield died of sarcoma on June 16, 2020 at the age of 68.