Over the next few days, much will be written about Paul Scofield’s talent, career, and excellent body of work. I have no doubt that the word that most writers will use to sum up this man’s is dignity.
As fitting as this is, I have to add my own voice and say that the key to Scofield’s characters, what supports that incredible dignity, is the kindness with which he infused his roles.
It is the kindness of Sir Thomas Moore — the love he shows to his family and friends, the love he shows to his King and his God — that grounds Scofield’s performance so deeply in our memories.
Likewise, his portrayal of Mark Van Doren in the excellent “Quiz Show” has an undeniable dignity, but it is the character’s love and kindness towards his son which gives the film its heart.
I could go on but suffice it to say that while I do not know if Death came with dignity to Mr. Scofield, I have no doubt that she was kind.
Rest easy, sir.
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[And I see that today is also the birthday of Fred Rogers — a strange overlapping of events which only underscores these themes of dignity and kindness even deeper in my mind.]