[herbig]

He was a stage actor. His career didn't start with film.

This article makes it seem like he was struggling to be a success long after he should have quit. They just have a completely wrong definition of success.

[sageikosa]

British actors jumping back and forth between TV, stage and film are far more common than in America. If they don't maintain a certain amount of stage work, they must lose some British acting creds.

[gadders]

Pretty much. Stage acting is considered more prestigious.

[yaskyj]

Also, his first TV role was in 1978. And even his age during Die Hard was wrong. Born in 1946, Die Hard came out in 1988 so ~42

[SuddsMcDuff]

He didn't get his first stage role until 42. I think the point still stands.

[vidarh]

He had roles on stage at least as early as 1978, so 32 or younger.