Peter Vaughan
A stalwart character actor whose weathered face and commanding presence brought gravitas to decades of British film, television, and theatre.
1923–2016 (age 93)·English actor·Birthday: April 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Peter Vaughan's career was a masterclass in reliable, transformative supporting work. With a face that seemed carved from granite and a voice that could rumble with menace or warmth, he became an instantly recognizable fixture on British screens for over half a century. He moved seamlessly from Shakespearean stage roles to film parts in classics like 'Straw Dogs' and 'The Remains of the Day,' often portraying figures of authority, whether corrupt, benign, or broken. To a global audience, he became indelibly known as Maester Aemon in 'Game of Thrones,' the blind, wise Targaryen elder. Yet his most beloved domestic role was arguably as the cunning, irascible old convict 'Genial' Harry Grout in the beloved sitcom 'Porridge,' proving his deft comic timing. Vaughan never sought stardom, but his profound ability to ground any scene made him an indispensable asset to countless productions.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Peter was born in 1923, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Peter Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Peter's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 70
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 80
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2016Died at 93
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Maester Aemon Targaryen in the first five seasons of the global phenomenon 'Game of Thrones.'
- Played the memorable recurring role of the criminal 'Genial' Harry Grout in the classic BBC sitcom 'Porridge.'
- Delivered a notable film performance as the menacing Tom Hedden in Sam Peckinpah's 'Straw Dogs.'
- Enjoyed a long and respected career in British theatre, including performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Did You Know?
He served as a radio operator in the Royal Artillery during World War II and took part in the D-Day landings.
His birth name was Peter Ewart Ohm, but he changed it to Vaughan early in his career.
He was married to actress Billie Whitelaw from 1952 to 1966.
“I've always been more interested in the truth of a character than the size of the part.”
