Peter Blythe (1934-2004) was an English character actor who studied at RADA on scholarship after serving in the Royal Air Force, going on to work as a repertory player with Nottingham Playhouse and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is best remembered for playing Samuel “Soapy Sam” Ballard, QC, in Rumpole of the Bailey, and appeared extensively across British television in shows including Only Fools and Horses, Foyle’s War, Dalziel and Pascoe, and The Barchester Chronicles, as well as working closely with director Peter Hall and playwright Alan Ayckbourn throughout his stage career. His long-term partner was actress Harriet Walter.
1972 · 5 seasons
