Peter Wingfield
After his A levels he entered Brasenose College, Oxford, and in 1982 began medical training at the prestigious St. Bartholomew's Medical Hospital in London. His time, however, was not devoted solely to pre-medicine. In 1980 he spent his summer break at the National Youth Theater of Wales where he discovered the sense of camaraderie and belonging that characterize truly outstanding acting troupes. His four week stint with this youth theater changed him in ways he didn't fully appreciate at the time; but which were to have a lasting impact. He also worked during his college years at the Brasenose Little Theatre, both performing in, and producing, a variety of plays. Peter met his first wife Juliet in 1987 during a stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Peter played the lead role of Dr. Frank-n-Furter and Juliet worked on the choreography and costumes. They were married shortly thereafter, but the marriage did not last. They divorced in 1997.
Shortly before completing his fifth and final year at St. Bartholomew's in 1987, Peter realized that the practice of modern medicine was not for him. He'd gone into medical school with an idealistic view of doctors as altruistic caregivers. The reality of hospital life, and the far-too-often selfish approach of some doctors to their work, both disillusioned and saddened him. One month before he was due to graduate, he made the decision to leave medical school and pursue acting as a full time career.
Peter began his formal acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, ironically located just across the street from St. Bart's Hospital in London. While his talents and abilities earned him some scholarships, he had to work at various odd jobs to support himself and his new wife. His training at school covered the range of an actor's repertoire, including voice, movement, and the acting skills necessary to be successful in arenas ranging from radio to mime. Peter was chosen in 1990 to compete for the BBC's Carleton Hobbs Award for radio, which he won.
In 1990, shortly after leaving drama school, he landed his first television acting part as a taxi driver in the movie Antonia and Jane. His qualification that led to his selection for the part: he knew how to drive.
Peter became a British television staple and starred in numerous productions. His last major role in British television was as Tom Kirby in the series Noah's Ark in 1997. Portraying a veterinarian in the series, Peter had to take medication throughout the series to combat his animal allergies. One positive outcome to this short-lived series is that the constant exposure to animals has apparently reduced his allergic reactions.
A large international audience came to know and love him as Methos, the oldest living Immortal on Highlander: The Series. Since that show ended Peter has appeared in numerous North American television productions for both Canadian and United States companies including the portrayal of Dr. Robert Helm on Fireworks Productions syndicated show Queen Of Swords.
In addition to Antonia and Jane, Peter has appeared in the feature films X2: X-Men United, Highlander: Endgame (reprising the role of Methos), The Edge of Madness, Baby Genius 2, and Uncovered. While starring in these many television and film productions, he found time to remember his stage roots. And if television, film and stage were not enough, for two years in the mid-1990s, Peter played the "deliciously despicable" Simon Pemberton on the long running BBC radio drama The Archers.
Although officially "retired" as a Trampoline National Champion, Peter is still a focused athlete. He runs as often as his schedule allows and hopes to someday meet his personal goal of running a sub-three-hour marathon. He only needs to shorten his time by one minute and 28 seconds. Peter has also mentioned wanting to one day qualify for the Boston Marathon. We have no doubt he will.
Peter remarried in 1998. He and his family now reside in the greater Los Angeles area.
