Alec McCowen was an English actor who was best known for his stage and film roles. He was active in the entertainment industry from the 1940s to the 2000s, and was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in St. Mark's Gospel in 1965. He also appeared in several films, including Frenzy (1972), The Ruling Class (1972), and The Remains of the Day (1993). He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1987.