The highly anticipated release of Season 5 of “The Crown” on Netflix is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh cast of actors who will bring the central members of the British Royal Family to life on screen. As the series moves closer to the present day, focusing on the 1990s, a new set of performers will take on the roles of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
In this latest season, Imelda Staunton and Sir Jonathan Pryce will step into the shoes of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, following the passing of Prince Philip in April 2021. The talented duo will portray the royal couple as they navigate the challenges of the 1990s. Joining them are Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki, who will portray Prince Charles and Princess Diana during that time. Lesley Manville will take on the role of the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, while Olivia Williams will portray Camilla Parker-Bowles.
But who exactly is Sir Jonathan Pryce, the actor who will bring the family’s patriarch to life on screen?
Born in Flintshire, Wales in 1947, Jonathan Pryce is the son of shopkeepers Margaret and Isaac Price. Although he initially pursued art college, he later decided to become a teacher and attended what is now known as Edge Hill University. It was during his time there that a tutor recognized his potential in a college production, setting him on the path to pursue acting.
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1971, Pryce joined Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre Company, where he had the opportunity to work alongside renowned actors such as Alison Steadman, Dame Julie Walters, and the late Sir Antony Sher. Throughout his career, he has earned critical acclaim in the theater, winning two Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards, with notable performances including the title role in the Royal Court Theatre’s 1980 production of “Hamlet” and his role as The Engineer in the musical “Miss Saigon” in 1990, although the production faced controversy due to its use of yellowface.
Pryce’s success extends beyond the stage and into the world of film and television. His acting career spans over 40 years, with notable roles in films such as Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” (1985), Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence,” and “Evita” alongside Madonna and Antonio Banderas. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Elliot Carver, the Bond villain in 1997’s “Tomorrow Never Dies,” and as Governor Swann, Keira Knightley’s character Elizabeth’s father, in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise.
On the small screen, Pryce has made appearances in various TV shows and earned two Emmy nominations for his roles in “Barbarians at the Gate” (1993) and “Return to Cranford” alongside Dame Judi Dench, who coincidentally also appears in “The Crown” alongside Pryce. He played Cardinal Wolsey in the popular TV adaptation of “Wolf Hall” and gained recognition among younger audiences for his role as the High Sparrow in “Game of Thrones” from 2015 to 2016.
Stepping into the role of Prince Philip in “The Crown,” Pryce follows in the footsteps of Tobias Menzies and Matt Smith, who portrayed the character during different stages of his life. Menzies played the middle-aged Prince Philip in seasons three and four, while Smith portrayed a younger version of the prince during his early years alongside Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth.
With his extensive experience and remarkable talent, Sir Jonathan Pryce is set to bring depth and nuance to the character of Prince Philip, offering viewers a compelling portrayal of the royal patriarch in the upcoming season of “The Crown.”