David Burke

Acting

David Burke

Born 25 May 1934 · Liverpool, England, UK · Died 1 May 2026 at 91

David Burke was a British actor, known for playing Dr. John Watson in two series of Granada Television's 1980s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which starred Jeremy Brett in the title role. He also starred as Josef Stalin in the last two episodes of Reilly, Ace of Spies.

Known for

Highlights

Agatha Christie's Poirot1989 · Series · Sir Arthur Stanley
The Woman in Black2012 · Film · PC Collins
Sherlock Holmes1984 · Series · Dr. John H. Watson
The Closer2005 · Series · Mr. Murdoch
Midsomer Murders1997 · Series · John Farrow
The Avengers1961 · Series · John Wrightson

Filmography

Movies

31 films

Only the Lonely2018 · Film · George
The Young Messiah2016 · Film · Blind Rabbi
Harry Price: Ghost Hunter2015 · Film
The Woman in Black2012 · Film · PC Collins
Love and Distrust2010 · Film · Freddie (segment "The Summer House")
The Summer House2010 · Film · Freddie
Number 132006 · Film · Gunton, Hotel Landlord
Random Quest2006 · Film · Professor / JK Harshom
A View from a Hill2005 · Film · Patten
The Rivals2004 · Film · Sir Anthony Absolute
Three Sisters2003 · Film · Chebutykin
Bertie and Elizabeth2002 · Film · Lord Reith
King Lear1998 · Film · Kent
Twelfth Night1996 · Film · Party Guest / Dancer
Mesmer1994 · Film · Doctor de Vauzesmes
Run for the Lifeboat1988 · Film · Gareth
The Tragedy of Richard III1983 · Film · Sir William Catesby
Henry VI Part 21983 · Film · Duke of Gloucester / Dick the Butcher
Henry VI Part 11983 · Film · Duke of Gloucester
Spaghetti House1982 · Film · Davis
The Winter's Tale1981 · Film · Camillo
The Man Who Saw Tomorrow1981 · Film · The Friar
Comedians1979 · Film · Mick Connor
Return Fare1978 · Film · Len
Quiet as a Nun1978 · Film · Tom Amyas M.P.
A Choice of Evils1977 · Film · Cardinal Volponi
Fair Tradin' on the Dancin' Ground1976 · Film · Tweed
Michael Regan1971 · Film · Michael Reagan
There Is Also Tomorrow1969 · Film · Len
Rattle of a Simple Man1964 · Film · Jack (uncredited)
Saturday Night Out1964 · Film · Manager

Filmography

Series

37 shows

The Closer2005 · Series · Mr. Murdoch
Spooks2002 · Series · Fiona's Father
Waking the Dead2001 · Series · Philip Bryant
Midsomer Murders1997 · Series · John Farrow
Testament: The Bible in Animation1996 · Series · God (voice)
Dalziel and Pascoe1996 · Series · Paul Boddison
Space Precinct1994 · Series · Vachel
Performance1991 · Series · Kent
The House of Eliott1991 · Series · Sir John Crowborough
In Suspicious Circumstances1991 · Series · James Maybrick
Agatha Christie's Poirot1989 · Series · Sir Arthur Stanley
Screen Two1985 · Series · Gareth
The Bill1984 · Series
Sherlock Holmes1984 · Series · Dr. John H. Watson
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes1984 · Series · Dr John H. Watson
Spyship1983 · Series
Reilly: Ace of Spies1983 · Series · Stalin
Nanny1981 · Series
Armchair Thriller1978 · Series · Tom Amyas, MP
BBC2 Play of the Week1977 · Series · Len
The Love School1975 · Series · William Morris
Centre Play1973 · Series · Tweed
Crown Court1972 · Series
Holly1972 · Series · Tom Prentiss
Villains1972 · Series · Eric
A Ghost Story for Christmas1971 · Series · Patten
The Guardians1971 · Series · Dr. Frank Benedict
Play for Today1970 · Series
Manhunt1970 · Series · Beauchamps
The Champions1968 · Series · Roger Carson
A Game of Murder1966 · Series · Det. Insp. Ed Royce
Redcap1964 · Series
The Wednesday Play1964 · Series · Len
Sherlock Holmes1964 · Series
The Avengers1961 · Series · John Wrightson
Coronation Street1960 · Series · Jack Benjamin
No Hiding Place1959 · Series