David Suchet Biography: Sir David Courtney Suchet born 2 May 1946 is a renowned English actor celebrated for his work across stage and television. He gained recognition for portraying Edward Teller in the 1980 television miniseries Oppenheimer, and later won both the RTS and BPG awards for his performance as Augustus Melmotte in The Way We Live Now (2001). Suchet achieved international fame for his iconic role as detective Hercule Poirot in the long-running series Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989–2013), earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in 1991. An accomplished theatre performer, Suchet has received nine Olivier Award nominations and one Tony Award nomination over the course of his distinguished stage career.
David Suchet Biography
David Suchet is widely recognized as one of England’s finest actors across stage, film, and television, with his global reputation largely shaped by his iconic portrayal of Agatha Christie’s sophisticated Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. He played this role for nearly 25 years in numerous TV episodes from 1988 to 2013.
David Suchet Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
David Courtney Suchet
2 May 1946 Paddington, London, England
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Spouse |
Sheila Ferris
(m. 1976) |
| Children | 2 |
| Father | Jack Suchet |
| Relatives |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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David Suchet Personal Life
Born in London on May 2, 1946, Suchet is the son of actress Joan Patricia Jarché and Jack Suchet, a renowned Lithuanian-Jewish obstetrician and gynecologist. After attending boarding school, David’s passion for acting emerged early, leading to his acceptance into the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain at age 16. He then trained for three years at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts before embarking on extensive repertory work.
About David Suchet
Sir David Courtney Suchet is an English actor. He is known for his work on stage and in television. He portrayed Edward Teller in the television serial Oppenheimer and received the RTS and BPG awards for his performance as Augustus Melmotte in the British serial The Way We Live Now.
David Suchet Wiki
- Born: 2 May 1946 (age 79 years), Paddington, London, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Sheila Ferris (m. 1976)
- Children: Katherine Suchet, Robert Suchet
- Height: 1.68 m
- Siblings: John Suchet, Peter Suchet
- Parents: Jack Suchet, Joan Patricia Jarché Suchet
Early Life and Family Background
David Suchet was born on 2 May 1946 in the Paddington district of London. His father, Jack Suchet, emigrated from South Africa to the UK in 1932, later studying at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London and becoming a practicing obstetrician and gynaecologist. His mother, Joan Patricia (née Jarché), was an actress. Suchet’s paternal heritage is Lithuanian-Jewish—his grandfather, Izidor Suchedowitz, came from Kretinga, located in what was then the Pale of Settlement in the Russian Empire.
The family name was once “Schohet”, a Yiddish term derived from the Hebrew word shochet, meaning a kosher butcher. The surname was later changed to “Suchet” while the family was in South Africa. His mother was born in England and came from a mixed background: Russian-Jewish on her father’s side and English Anglican on her mother’s.
Personal Life
David Suchet met his wife, Sheila Ferris, in 1972 while they were both working at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. He says he fell in love with her at first sight, though it took some time to convince her to go out for a meal with him. They married on June 30, 1976, and have two children: a son, Robert (born 1981), who served as a captain in the Royal Marines, and a daughter, Katherine (born 1983), who works as a physiotherapist.
David Suchet is the brother of John Suchet, a former national news presenter for Five News and ITN newscaster, who also hosts the evening concert on Classic FM (as of 2020). He is the uncle of broadcaster Richard Suchet, son of his younger brother Peter, and also of Rory Suchet, a broadcaster with RT. His maternal grandfather, James Jarché, was a renowned Fleet Street photographer, famous for capturing the first images of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
David Suchet at a Glance
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth: $15 Million
- Birthdate: May 2, 1946 (79 years old)
- Birthplace: Paddington, London
- Gender: Male
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m)
- Profession: Actor, Television Producer
- Nationality: United Kingdom
David Suchet Net Worth 2025
Suchet is an accomplished English actor with an estimated net worth of $15 million. Born in London, England, he began his acting journey with the National Youth Theatre at age 18 before pursuing formal training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Suchet launched his professional acting career in theater, performing at the Watermill Theatre in England, and later joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company.
He went on to star in numerous productions both in London’s West End and on Broadway, notably playing Salieri in Amadeus from 1998 to 2000. Suchet’s on-screen career began in 1970 and includes a diverse range of roles in productions such as Oppenheimer, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. The Falcon and the Snowman, Iron Eagle, Harry and the Hendersons, Henry VIII, The Bank Job, and Great Expectations.
FAQs
What religion is David Suchet?
Suchet stated in an interview with Strand Magazine, “I’m a Christian by faith. I like to think it sees me through a great deal of my life. I very much believe in the principles of Christianity and the principles of most religions, actually—that one has to abandon oneself to a higher good.
What Bible does David Suchet read?
In between filming the final episodes of Poirot, David Suchet spent over 200 hours in the recording studio to create the very first full-length audio version of the NIV Bible spoken by a single British actor. The NIV Audio Bible is also available as an app.
Did David Suchet gain weight for Poirot?
To simulate the overweight physique of Hercule Poirot, Sir David Suchet, who is much slimmer, wore body padding. He also wore wing collars to make his neck appear fatter.
What color are David Suchet’s eyes?
David Suchet, alias Hercule Poirot, was certain of the answer. With a characteristic twinkle in his brown eyes, he said flatly: “Hercule Poirot.