Although I loved this program and all the actors in it, it seems only Ray Winstone went on to achieve any kind of "success". (And I did think he was the best actor in the show.) But come on, Nasir (Mark Ryan), Robin (Michael Praed) and Robert (Jason Connery) were all hotties and talented and should have achieved more "stardom". I know those words I put in quotes are relative, but I really had to search to find news of any of them.
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Judi opted for motherhood and removed herself from the limelight by choice.
Michael Praed has actually had a nice career of his choosing. Mostly stage work.
I think Peter left the business by choice as well.
The thing is British actors, for the most part tend to have different types of careers and "stardom" than what we Yanks think of. They are truely working actors going from stage to tv and back again and not so much after the star trappings.
I had not heard of Transformers so I looked it up -- definitely not my kind of film (that's more of a "cartoon" to me).
I did suspect that several of the actors must have returned to stage work as their film/television bio listings were rather sparse -- at least in starring or significant roles.
Of course they are all 25 years older now and it is shame there are not better film and television roles for older actors.
So good to see Ray Winstone appreciated by Scorsese.
Clive Mantle spent many successful years playing Doctor Mike Barrat in both Casualty and Holby City while people probably know Philip Jackson better as Inspector Japp in Agatha Christie's Poirot. It's a shame about Michael, Jason and Judi though
shareI don't think there is any shame in the actors going on to have the lives and careers they wanted.
Jason Connery is still working steadily as is Mark Ryan here in the U.S. I think if you asked either of them they'd tell you they've done quite well.
I still think it's one of the best treatments of the Robin Hood legends that has been made. I watched a recent series in BBC on HULU and it wasn't close to being as good. The Robin Hood character was horribly miscast and couldn't act his way out of a paper bag.
I remember disparaging remarks about Jason Connery's acting skills when he took over from Michael Praed but I thought he did a fine job and they did very well in reconciling all of the different legends.
I still have my CD of the original soundtrack and listen to it occasionally. It's my favorite Clannad album.
I also have the complete set of DVDs. Bought them as soon as they were available in the U.S.
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I guess we are talking about the Merry Men only? Because I believe Nickolas Grace remains the most accomplished member of the cast in film, theatre and television. Before this, he had already gained a cult following for his role as Anthony Blanche in "Brideshead Revisited" (my favourite performance in a mini-series that had so many great ones); he's also been a splendid Lorca for Spanish TV, has worked with Ivory and Ken Russell, has been part of star-packed films such as "Tom & Viv" and Oliver Parker's "An Ideal Husband" and has been part of countless excellent TV productions, including the House of Cards Trilogy. He's been acclaimed on stage, too, where he's had a long and varied resume.
As for the Merry Men, most of them didn't have much to offer. Judi Trott and Peter Llewellyn Williams might have had additional reasons to quit acting, but it's obvious that their careers wouldn't have gone far given their lack of talent. I'm sure Judi would've found a way to focus on motherhood and still pursue an acting career had she been offered some brilliant stuff. Clive Mantle wasn't too bad as Little John and it looks like his size always aided to get him some offers; Clint Eastwood cast him in one of his movies.
If you include the recurring characters, Philip Davis has become a Mike Leigh regular and has been served with many great roles. He's a fantastic actor. His Prince John was genius.
I always found Robert Addie to be a very interesting and compelling performer. The relationship between the Sheriff and Gisburne was one my very favourite parts of the show. I wonder if he would've had a nice career hadn't he been so unlucky in life. This role and his Mordred in "Excalibur" should be enough to leave a nice legacy, at least.