Rintoul David

David Rintoul — Scottish actor

David Rintoul (born 29 November 1948, Aberdeen, United Kingdom) is a Scottish stage, screen and voice actor known for classical theatre, acclaimed television dramas and prolific audiobook narration. He is widely remembered for playing Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s 1980 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and for later screen and voice appearances spanning period drama, contemporary television, and radio.

At a glance

• Full name: David Rintoul
• Date of birth: 29 November 1948
• Place of birth: Aberdeen, United Kingdom
• Nationality: Scottish/British
• Training: Classical stage background; London conservatoire training (widely associated with RADA)

Career highlights

Rintoul’s career bridges leading roles in British television, Shakespearean and modern classics on major UK stages, and extensive voice work. Early recognition came with Pride and Prejudice (1980), where his restrained, incisive Mr. Darcy became a touchstone portrayal for the role in the pre-1990s era of Austen adaptations. He later headlined the 1990s ITV series Doctor Finlay, reaffirming his profile in character-driven period drama.

On stage, he has performed with premier companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, taking on a wide range of classical and contemporary parts. His voice is a fixture of BBC Radio 4 drama and documentary readings.

On global television he is noted for a brief but memorable appearance in Game of Thrones (Season 6) as Aerys II Targaryen (the “Mad King”) in flashback sequences.

Audiobooks and voice

Rintoul is a highly regarded audiobook narrator, especially associated with Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series, bringing Edinburgh’s characters to life with wit and subtlety. His narration work spans literary fiction, historical non-fiction, thriller, and biography, and has earned consistent praise from listeners and audio reviewers.

Recent and ongoing projects

• Continuing audiobook releases, including new installments in long-running Scottish-set fiction (notably McCall Smith’s Edinburgh novels).
• Guest roles on British television dramas and limited series, often in professional, aristocratic or authoritative character parts.
• Regular participation in BBC Radio 4 plays, readings and cultural programming.
• Selective stage work in London and across the UK, returning periodically to classic repertoire.

Availability and titles vary year to year; recent activity is frequently announced by publishers, theatres and broadcasters rather than via personal channels.

News and media notes

Coverage in recent years often coincides with new audiobook launches, anniversaries and retrospectives of Pride and Prejudice (1980), and discussions of his Game of Thrones cameo. Interviews typically explore his transition between stage, screen and studio work, and his approach to character-driven narration.

Social media and web presence

There is no widely promoted, verified personal social media account for David Rintoul. Professional updates most reliably appear via theatre company announcements, casting notices, publisher listings (for audiobooks) and major entertainment databases. Fans typically follow news through broadcaster press pages, publisher newsletters and industry profiles.

Selected credits

• Television: Pride and Prejudice (BBC, 1980) — Mr. Darcy
• Television: Doctor Finlay (ITV, 1990s) — Title role
• Television: Game of Thrones (HBO, S6) — Aerys II Targaryen (flashback)
• Stage: Extensive credits with the RSC, National Theatre and leading London houses
• Audio: 44 Scotland Street series and numerous literary works
• Radio: BBC Radio 4 dramas and readings

Additional information

• Known for precise diction and versatility across accents and period registers.
• Frequently cast in roles requiring gravitas, authority or understated intensity.
• Longstanding ties to Scottish arts through stage, broadcast and literature.

Contact and representation

Professional inquiries are typically handled through UK talent agencies and casting platforms. For current engagements, check theatre season announcements, broadcaster press releases and audiobook publisher catalogs.