Hywel Bennett

Hywel Bennett was a renowned British television and film actor with over 40 years of experience.

Early Accomplishments

He enrolled at the National Youth Theatre at the age of 15 and in that year, made his stage debut playing a female character in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

He joined the prestigious RADA soon after and made his on-screen debut in an episode of Doctor Who in 1965 before debuting film in 1966 with Il marito è mioe l’ammazzo quando mi pare.

Best Known For

The highlight of his career is playing the titular role of famed British sitcom, Shelley from 1979 to ‘84 and reprised the role in the sequel 4 years later until 1992. 

Another noteworthy mention is his part in the 1969 comedy titled Virgin Soldiers.

Sexual Orientation

Hywel was straight and was married twice. 

His first was to Cathy McGowan in 1970 and it lasted 18 years.

In 1998, he wedded Sandra Layne Fulford and stayed married until his demise. 

He also, at some point, had an affair with Tessa Dahl.

Family

He was the elder son of Gordon and Sarah Bennett and his brother is actor Alun Lewis. 

By way of his first marriage, he was the father of Emma born in 1971 and by her, he became a grandfather to Conor and Grace. 

He was the uncle of actress Amelia Warner.

Religion

Hywel’s religious beliefs and practices are unknown, although a wild guess would be Christianity.

Worth To Know

He gave up acting in 2007 due to a medical condition of a congenital heart problem. He soon died after the diagnosis.