John Benfield (1951-2020) was a British actor of film, television, and theatre. He is best known to the general public for his role as Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Kernan, starring alongside Helen Mirren in the award-winning crime series *Prime Suspect* (1991-1995). His extensive film career includes roles in notable films such as *The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover* (1989), *In the Name of the Father* (1993), *Evita* (1996), and *Speed Racer* (2008). An actor with a solid theatrical background, he worked extensively with prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he established himself as a versatile and reliable character actor, becoming a familiar and respected face in the British audiovisual landscape, appreciated for his ability to bring depth to supporting roles.