Sir Ian Holm is an Academy Award nominated British film and stage actor who was born in Goodmayes, Essex. His father worked as a psychiatrist in a mental asylum in Essex. Holm's inspiration to pursue acting came from seeing Les Miserables when he was just seven years old. Following success on the stage, Holm made his television debut on the BBC's War of the Roses and won his first BAFTA for The Bofors Gun a few years later. Holm is perhaps best know for his role as Sam Mussabini in Chariots of Fire for which earnt him a Oscar nomination for best actor in a supporting role. Other noteable roles include Bilbo in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and as Professor Fitz in The Aviator. In 1998, Holm was knighted for his services to drama.