Source: imdb.com
Best known among the Tolkien community for his portrayal of Barliman Butterbur in The Fellowship of the Ring, David Weatherley enjoyed a long and exciting career on screen and on stage. Today, he will celebrate his 75th birthday. His onscreen persona Barliman might be forgetful, but here on Middle-earth News we will not forget this day of celebration. So raise your pints and … and … what was I about to say? … Oh yes, I remember!
David Weatherley was born on March 1, 1939 in London, England. After finishing his education at The Quintin School in Regent Street in London, Mr. Weatherley left England in 1956. His first stop was Canada where he served five years in the Canadian Army only to then leave for New Zealand. Upon arrival in NZ in 1961, Weatherley’s ambition was to join the NZ army. However, a motorcycle accident put an end to his plan. Soon after, and to our delight, Weatherley discovered his passion for acting. Starting with amateur drama and TV commercial voicing in the mid 60’s, he landed a role in the Downstage production Oh What a Lovely War in Wellington. Years of touring through NZ with various plays followed. All in all, David Weatherley can look back on a stage career of over 20 years, appearing in over 120 plays.
Besides his stage career, he proved his versatility on screen and voice work over the years. His best know projects include his work on Xena and Hercules, as well as his voice work for the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords. Yet, the role he will always be remembered for is portrayal of the forgetful owner of the Inn of the Prancing Pony in FOTR.
