Patrick Godfrey, the veteran British actor remembered by many film fans as Leonardo da Vinci in Ever After and Monsieur Gillenormand in the 2012 movie musical Les Misérables, has died. He was 93.
Godfrey’s London agency, Markham, Froggatt & Irwin, confirmed that the actor died peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his family. The agency shared the news with sadness, honoring a performer whose career stretched across theatre, film and television for decades.
Patrick Godfrey dies at 93 after a long stage and screen career
For audiences who grew up on 1990s costume dramas, Godfrey’s warm, witty turn in Ever After remains one of his most recognizable roles. Playing Leonardo da Vinci opposite Drew Barrymore’s Danielle, he brought an understated charm to the 1998 Cinderella-inspired romance.
He later appeared in Tom Hooper’s Oscar-winning Les Misérables, joining a cast that included Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried. Godfrey played Monsieur Gillenormand, the wealthy grandfather of Marius, adding quiet authority to one of the musical’s family storylines.
Ever After and Les Misérables actor remembered by fans
Godfrey was the kind of character actor whose face often arrived before his name for casual viewers. He worked across period pieces, literary adaptations and British television, bringing precision and polish to roles large and small.
His career was also deeply rooted in the stage. Long before many international viewers knew him from film, Godfrey had built a reputation in British theatre, where his measured delivery and classical training made him a reliable presence in demanding dramatic work.
Following news of his death, fans began revisiting clips and memories from Ever After, with many pointing to his performance as one of the film’s secret weapons. His Leonardo was playful without becoming cartoonish, wise without being stiff, and tender in the moments that mattered.
Where to watch Ever After and Les Misérables in the US, UK and EU
If you want to revisit Patrick Godfrey’s best-known screen roles, availability may vary by country and licensing window. In the US, Ever After and Les Misérables are often available to rent or buy through services such as Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital stores, while subscription availability can shift between platforms including Disney+ or Hulu depending on current rights.
In the UK and across parts of the EU, both films are also commonly offered through digital rental or purchase platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV and Google TV. Viewers should check their local streaming listings, as catalogues differ between the US, UK and EU and can change without much notice.
Patrick Godfrey leaves behind a body of work that crossed generations, from theatre audiences to film lovers who discovered him through beloved adaptations and musicals. His performances were rarely loud, but they had staying power — the kind that makes a supporting role linger long after the credits roll.
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