Introduction
Jeremy Brett was a British actor who became famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Granada Television series. But there is much more to his life and legacy than just that. In this article, we will explore his personal life, his battle with AIDS, and his filmography, including his son.
Jeremy Brett Bio and Wikipedia
Jeremy Brett was born Peter Jeremy William Huggins on November 3, 1933, in Berkswell, Warwickshire, England. He was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Henry William Huggins and Elizabeth Edith Cadbury Butler. He adopted the stage name Jeremy Brett when he began his acting career.
Brett started his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous stage productions, television shows, and films. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Granada Television series, which aired from 1984 to 1994. He received critical acclaim for his performance and is considered by many to be the definitive portrayal of the famous detective.
Jeremy Brett Personal Life
Jeremy Brett was married twice. His first marriage was to Anna Massey, an actress, in 1958. They divorced in 1962. His second marriage was to Joan Wilson, an actress and drama teacher, in 1976. They remained married until his death.
Brett was known for his private nature and rarely spoke about his personal life in public. However, it is known that he struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life. He also battled with substance abuse and was in and out of rehab several times.
Jeremy Brett Battle with AIDS
In 1993, Jeremy Brett was diagnosed with HIV, which later developed into AIDS. He kept his illness a secret from the public and continued to work on the final season of the Sherlock Holmes series. He passed away on September 12, 1995, at the age of 61.
Brett’s death brought attention to the AIDS epidemic and the stigma surrounding the disease. His widow, Joan Wilson, became an advocate for AIDS awareness and education.
Jeremy Brett Filmography
Jeremy Brett appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include Freddie Eynsford-Hill in the film adaptation of My Fair Lady (1964), Dr. John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes series (1984-1994), and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (1995).
Jeremy Brett’s Son
Jeremy Brett had one son, David Huggins, from his first marriage to Anna Massey. David is also an actor and has appeared in several films and television shows. He is known for his roles in The Bill (1984), The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (2001), and The Forsyte Saga (2002).
Conclusion
Jeremy Brett was a talented actor who left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is still considered one of the best to this day. However, his personal life and battle with AIDS also shed light on important issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and AIDS awareness. His son, David Huggins, also continues to carry on his father’s legacy in the acting world.
