Acting
John Warnaby
John Warnaby (6 November 1960 – 13 April 2024) was a distinguished British actor who graced the stage, screen, and film, before later pursuing a vocation as a Catholic priest.
Born in Birmingham, Warnaby began his education at St Teresa’s Primary School, later attending St Philip’s College until 1979. He went on to study theology at Oriel College, Oxford, from 1979 to 1982. Following his academic journey, he worked at the Corporation of Lloyd’s in London, focusing on solvency and financial reporting, and even set up an office in Atlanta, Georgia, where he engaged with investors for two years.
While maintaining his corporate career, Warnaby found his passion for acting. His significant break came in 1988 with a stage adaptation of Tom Stoppard's *Artist Descending a Staircase*, directed by Tim Luscombe. He gained further recognition with the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1990/91 season, performing in productions such as *Troilus and Cressida* and *Edward II*. His talents shone at the National Theatre in 1996 as he portrayed Napoleon in *War and Peace*.
In 2001, he starred in the Comedy Theatre revival of *A Day in the Death of Joe Egg*, alongside notable actors like Eddie Izzard. His later works included a role in the television adaptation of Alan Hollinghurst’s *The Line of Beauty* and a dual performance in *Plague Over England* in 2009.
After a fulfilling acting career, Warnaby embraced the priesthood, training at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome and being ordained in 2017. He served in various parishes, ultimately becoming the Parish Priest at St Joseph’s in Carpenders Park. Warnaby passed away at 63, leaving a legacy celebrated during his Requiem Mass, presided over by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
