Born Oct. 22, 1938, in London, Jacobi attended Cambridge University, where he developed his acting talents along with classmates Ian McKellen and Trevor Nunn. He soon caught the attention of Laurence Olivier, who invited him to become one of the founding members of the National Theatre. Appearing in countless stage productions over the years, Jacobi has also made his mark on the big and small screens -- most notably in Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, Hamlet and Dead Again and the TV miniseries I, Claudius (in which he played the title role).
More recent films include Gladiator, Gosford Park, Nanny McPhee and Underworld: Evolution (2006).
I, ClaudiusRoman history comes alive in this 13-part drama told from the perspective of Claudius (Derek Jacobi), a man whose physical impairments helped him avoid assassination by the corrupt Caligula (John Hurt) but ultimately led him to embrace corruption himself. Set in one of history's most fascinating... Read More
Cadfael: The Devil's NoviceIn this popular PBS mystery series, Derek Jacobi (Gladiator) stars as the sleuthing 12th-century monk Cadfael. Once a sailor and adventurer, Cadfael has settled into a religious life at the Shrewsbury Abbey, where he flourishes as the resident gardener and amateur detective. In this episode, when a... Read More
Love is the DevilDirector John Maybury explores the life of British painter Francis Bacon (Derek Jacobi) in a film that's as disturbing as the artist's own work. The film focuses on Bacon's turbulent affair with George Dyer (Daniel Craig), a burglar who breaks into Bacon's apartment … and stays on to become... Read More
Cadfael: A Morbid Taste for BonesA saint's bones inspire adoration, visions and ultimately murder when a group of monks from Shrewsbury Abbey seeks to excavate the holy relics in this episode of the mystery series starring Derek Jacobi as the sleuthing 12th-century monk Cadfael. Once an adventurer, Cadfael has settled into a... Read More
Richard IIA dispute between his cousin and a nobleman launches a conflict that will change the course of Richard II's monarchy. When the king seizes the opportunity for his own political gain, it sets his epic downfall in motion. Derek Jacobi stars as Richard II and John Gielgud plays John of Gaunt in this... Read More
