He was the original Ross Poldark and in the ’70s, he was something of a frock flick heartthrob, featuring in historical costume movies from 16th-century to Victorian eras. And he even got a turn in the Poldark remake. For over 20 years now, he’s been living with his wife (and several cats) on a farm in France, writing cookbooks and for a while, a charming blog, but no idea if he’s retired from acting. Ah well, let’s look at Robin Ellis’ career in costume!
Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility (1971)
Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex, in Elizabeth R (1971)
Franklin Blake in The Moonstone (1972)
Charles Dallas in “The Missing Q.C.s,” The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (1973)
Major White in “The Agreement of the People,” Churchill’s People (1975)
Ross Poldark in Poldark (1975-77)
Robert Acton in The Europeans (1979)
Howard Carter in The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb (1980)
John Dowell in The Good Soldier (1981)
Sir Robert Norberton in “Shoscombe Old Place,” The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1991)
Reverend Halse in Poldark (2015)
Is Robin Ellis your favorite Poldark? What historical costume movie or TV role do you remember him best for?
What about a still from “She Loves Me”?
He was wonderful in “She Loves Me”
I was about to comment the same. He was perfect.
was “The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb (1980)” the one where Tom Baker (of Dr Who) was in brown face as an Arab pilot?
Because I vaguely remember that….
Yup, that was the one. :)
oooh yes. The original poldark absolutely confirmed my bisexuality- I could never choose between Ross and Demelza. Demelza eventually won of course
Despite my youthful thing for R.E., I now prefer Turner as Poldark; this might have something to do with the script and the stiff direction of the original. (And the fact that Angharad Rees’s Demelza had so little to do in the first series except say, “Oh, Ross!”) The Poldark novels are much better than either telly series.
Caption for the image of Mr Ellis with Mr Turner:
Poldark the Elder “Now young Ross, just remember that if they ever ask you to get your kit off and you’re not feeling up to it, just remember … I’ve kept myself in shape!”