Alec McCowen (1925-2017) was a British actor, renowned for his long and distinguished career in theatre, film, and television. An accomplished Shakespearean actor, he worked with prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic. His most celebrated role was the lead in *Hadrian VII*, which earned him critical acclaim in London and a Tony Award nomination on Broadway. He is also universally remembered for his acclaimed solo performance of *St. Mark's Gospel*, which he performed worldwide for over thirty years. In film, he is known for the role of Inspector Oxford in Alfred Hitchcock's *Frenzy* and for playing Q in the James Bond film *Never Say Never Again*. Among his numerous accolades, in addition to several theatre awards, was his appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1986 for his services to drama.