Ian Richardson (1934-2007) was a Scottish actor, known for his classical stage training and distinctive diction. A founding member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, he played numerous Shakespearean roles before achieving international fame. His most iconic role was that of the manipulative politician Francis Urquhart in the BBC television trilogy *House of Cards* (1990-1995), a performance for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. His versatile career also includes the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in two television films and roles in films such as *Brazil* (1985), *Dark City* (1998), and *From Hell* (2001). Also successful on Broadway, he received a Tony Award nomination for his role as Professor Higgins in the revival of *My Fair Lady*. In 1989, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to drama.