BBC Documentaries

Jimmy Ellis - An Actor's Life (2014x64)

: 24, 2014

This 60 min documentary traces the life of the late James Ellis, one of Northern Ireland's best-loved sons. He is renowned for his work in the hugely successful series 'Z Cars' and Graham Reid's 'Billy' Trilogy. Jimmy, as he was known to his friends, is held in the highest esteem by fellow actors many of whom have been interviewed for this programme. He is described by one contributor as 'acting royalty' and was widely seen as the unofficial ambassador for Northern Ireland through the many roles in which he championed the Ulster accent. A younger audience will remember him with affection from 'Ballykissangel' and 'Playing the Field' but viewers will perhaps be surprised to learn of the breadth of his abilities as a prolific writer, poet and translator. This is an affectionate portrait of a well-known figure.