Patrick Godfrey, Star of Ever After, Dies at 93

Patrick Godfrey, the British actor best known to many audiences for playing Leonardo da Vinci in the 1998 film Ever After alongside Drew Barrymore, has died at the age of 93. According to his talent agency, Markham Froggatt & Irwin, Godfrey died on Thursday and passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. No cause of death has been confirmed.

Godfrey built a long career in acting that stretched across stage, radio, film, and television. He began in 1956 when he joined BBC’s Radio Drama Company, marking the start of a decades-long presence in the entertainment industry. His screen work expanded over time, including a television production of Miss Julie in 1972, where he appeared with Helen Mirren, Donal McCann, and Heather Canning. Over the years, he became a familiar supporting actor in both British and international productions.

In film, Godfrey appeared in titles such as Clockwise in 1986, The Remains of the Day in 1993, The Count of Monte Cristo in 2002, and Les Misérables in 2012. His work on television was equally extensive, with credits including Doc Martin, Fallen Angel, Trial & Retribution, Shades, The Bill, and Screen Two. He remained active late into life, with his final voice performance coming in the 2024 short film Rejoyce!. His last television appearance was in the BBC medical drama Casualty in 2021.

Godfrey’s role in Ever After gave him a place in one of the most memorable reinterpretations of the Cinderella story. The film, which also starred Dougray Scott, Anjelica Huston, Megan Dodds, Melanie Lynskey, Timothy West, and Judy Parfitt, became a favorite for many viewers after its release. Barrymore has spoken warmly about the movie in recent years, saying that its message of self-reliance and empowerment left a lasting impact on her life. On the film’s 25th anniversary in 2023, she said the project helped shape her perspective and taught her that people can “rescue yourself” rather than wait to be rescued.

Although Godfrey was not a headline-grabbing celebrity, his career reflected the steady importance of character actors who contribute depth and continuity to film and television. Colleagues and fans remember him as a skilled performer whose work spanned more than six decades. His agency described him as exceptionally talented and a remarkable individual, and said he will be greatly missed.