Whatever Happened to the Cast of 1999’s ‘A Christmas Carol’?
What To Know
- The 1999 adaptation of A Christmas Carol is celebrated for its classic Victorian style and strong theatrical performances.
- Many cast members continued to have prolific careers in film, television, theater, and even published memoirs in later years.
- Some actors, such as Ben Tibber and Tim Potter, chose to step away from the spotlight.
The holidays are coming, which means it’s time for your favorite holiday films — and there’s a wide array of Christmas Carol adaptations to choose from. But for many fans, the top adaptation is 1999’s Christmas Carol starring Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge. The production leaned into classic Victorian atmosphere and theatrical performances, creating one of the most memorable Dickens adaptations. Here is what happened to some of the actors who brought this version of the holiday classic to life:
Patrick Stewart (85)
Ebenezer Scrooge
TNT/Everett Collection; Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood
Patrick Stewart’s take on Scrooge drew heavily from the one-man stage performance of the role that he had perfected throughout the ’90s. After the TV movie, Stewart continued to balance major franchise roles with stage work, returning as Professor Charles Xavier in multiple X-Men films and later revisiting Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard. He also continued his tradition of Dickens readings for charity events and special holiday performances. In 2023, Stewart released his memoir, Making It So, which chronicled his early life and career on stage, TV, and in movies.
Joel Grey (93)
Spirit of Christmas Past
Hallmark Entertainment/Everett Collection; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
By the time he joined the film, Grey was already known for his Tony and Academy Award-winning role in Cabaret. His later roles included appearances on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias, House, and Oz. Grey has also remained active in theater, directing and performing in numerous productions, including the acclaimed 2015 Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. He also published a memoir, Master of Ceremonies, in 2016.
Desmond Barrit (81)
Spirit of Christmas Present
TNT/Everett Collection
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Barrit was already well known for his extensive stage work, especially with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He appeared in stage productions including The History Boys, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and King Lear. On television, Barrit has appeared in series such as Doctor Who and The Worst Witch. He most recently starred in the TV miniseries It’s a Sin.
Tim Potter (66)
Spirit of Christmas Future
Potter has mainly worked as a character actor in British film, theater, and television. His credits include appearances in The Oxford Murders, Rogue Trader, and various stage productions. However, he keeps a very private life, and not much is known about him recently. His last film and TV role was over a decade ago.
Richard E. Grant (68)
Bob Cratchit
Oliver Upton/TNT/Everett Collection; Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Sky Cinema
Already beloved for roles in Withnail and I and Gosford Park, Grant continued working after A Christmas Carol, appearing in Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Logan, and the Star Wars sequel The Rise of Skywalker. In 2021, Grant published the memoir A Pocketful of Happiness, written after the death of his wife, Joan Washington. His most recent roles were in the film Nuremberg and the show Too Much.
Ben Tibber (35)
Tiny Tim Cratchit
Nigel Parry/TNT/Everett Collection
Tibber was a child actor when he appeared as Tiny Tim, and he continued acting for several more years, including a notable role in Jacqueline Wilson’s 1999 television adaptation The Illustrated Mum. He also appeared in projects such as The Bill and Holby City. Tibber eventually stepped away from acting and has lived a very private life.
Ian McNeice (75)
Albert Fezziwig
TNT/Everett Collection; Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
McNeice was already a seasoned character actor before the 1999 film, known for roles in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Dune, and numerous British television series. Afterward, he became especially well known for playing Bert Large in ITV’s long-running series Doc Martin. McNeice has continued to appear in film and television, including roles in Doctor Who, Rome, and KGB.
Saskia Reeves (64)
Mrs. Cratchit
StudioCanal/Everett Collection
Reeves continued working with appearances in Close My Eyes, The Red Riding Trilogy, Midsomer Murders and Luther. More recently, she appeared in the acclaimed HBO series The Pale Horse and the 2023 television adaptation of Slow Horses.
Dominic West (56)
Fred
Netflix/Everett Collection
West became internationally known only a few years later when he starred as Detective Jimmy McNulty in HBO’s The Wire, a role that defined much of his early career in the United States. He later starred in The Affair, earning Golden Globe nominations, and played Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown.
In Memoriam
Bernard Lloyd, who played Jacob Marley’s Ghost, died on December 12, 2018, at the age of 84.
Where to Watch 1999’s A Christmas Carol
As of now, it doesn’t seem to be streaming anywhere, but it is available to rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
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December 2022
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