Michael Gough

Actor of stage, screen and television -- via ATV. Although he may be fated to be remembered as Alfred the butler in Tim Burton's "Batman" film and its less inspiring sequels, his real legacy is as a horror, science fiction and suspense actor. His absolutely magnificent cold, clean delivery of lines full of ludicrous menace made him an indelible acting presence. His work in films such as the Hammer "Horror of Dracula," "Horrors of the Black Museum," and "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors" is a treat. He was equally well-versed in Shakespeare (he played Lear) and contemporary theatre (he won a Tony for his work in Ayckbourn's "Bedroom Farce"). Among his later triumphs were roles in "Top Secret!", "The Serpent and the Rainbow," and much work as part of Tim Burton's ensemble of character actors. More on him from the Guardian and the Telegraph.