BRIAN BLESSED IS AN ACTOR SO MUCH LARGER THAN LIFE THAT IT’S DIFFICULT TO WRITE ABOUT HIM WITHOUT TYPING ALL IN CAPS! A former parachutist in the Royal Air Force, Blessed began his acting training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, alongside Patrick Stewart. His career in film and television started with roles on BBC TV series such as The Avengers, and he soon became known for playing Shakespearean roles, having performed parts in films such as Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and Macbeth. Blessed isn’t above acting in sillier fare, however, and he’s appeared in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Flash Gordon, Black Adder, and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. He turns 75 today. HO HO HO HO HA HA HA HA!!!!