Leonardo da Vinci Actor Patrick Godfrey Dies at 93

Patrick Godfrey, the British actor whose portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci became instantly iconic thanks to the 1998 film Ever After: A Cinderella Story, has passed away at 93. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, according to a statement from his talent agency, which noted that Paddy was an exceptionally talented actor and a remarkable individual.

For many, Ever After remains the definitive live-action Cinderella reimagining—partly because it dared to center the story around Drew Barrymore’s spirited heroine, and partly because Godfrey’s da Vinci felt like the wisest, most charming cameo imaginable. But that single role, however memorable, barely scratches the surface of a seven-decade career that made him a fixture in prestige period drama. He appeared in A Room with a View, The Remains of the Day, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Les Misérables—the kind of projects that reward strong ensemble work and the kind of acting that doesn’t demand your attention but richly rewards it when you pay close attention.

Television knew him too. Doctor Who and Inspector Morse were among his credits, the sorts of shows that became cultural touchstones partly because they attracted performers of genuine depth. Godfrey was the type of actor who elevated every scene he inhabited, never phoning it in, never treating supporting roles as lesser work. A cause of death was not revealed. At 93, he leaves behind a body of work that speaks to both commercial appeal and artistic integrity—a rare combination.

What lingers is the impression he left: thoughtful, present, the kind of actor you believed instantly, whether he was offering sage advice as a Renaissance genius or inhabiting the quieter corners of literary adaptations. That’s the real legacy, far beyond the single film that made him recognizable to casual audiences.