Colin Welland, a renowned actor and writer, will undoubtedly be forever celebrated for his momentous triumph at the 1982 Academy Awards, where he emerged victorious, winning the Best Screenplay Oscar for his exceptional work on the iconic film Chariots of Fire, with his iconic declaration "The British are Coming!"
As an accomplished actor, his debut film appearance remains perhaps his most beloved, the compassionate Mr. Farthing in Kes (1969),for which he received a BAFTA award. Born in Liverpool, yet raised in Leigh, Welland initially embarked on a career as an art teacher before transitioning into acting and becoming a household name, thanks to his portrayal of PC Graham in the long-running BBC police serial Z Cars.
Aside from Chariots of Fire, Welland penned numerous plays and films, including the BAFTA-winning Kisses at Fifty (later remade for Hollywood with Gene Hackman as Twice in a Lifetime),Leeds United! based on the rag trade strike that his own mother-in-law was actively involved in, Yanks, A Dry White Season, and War of the Buttons.
As a versatile film and television actor, his credits include Kes, Straw Dogs, Blue Remembered Hills, Cowboys, and Sweeney!
