Eric Christmas

Noted British character actor Eric Christmas, a seasoned interpreter of Shakespearean roles across stages from London to Broadway, cemented his cinematic legacy appearing as loopy high school principal Mr. Carter in all three "Porky's" comedies. In a film and television career spanning nearly 60 years, Christmas ably portrayed his share of dotty priests and befuddled doctors--men of authority or intellect with vision just slightly askew. A fine comedian, he memorably stole scenes in the cult classic "Harold and Maude" as a clergyman not at all approving of the title characters' May-December coupling, and in countless appearances on TV comedies from "Amen" to "ALF" to "Ally McBeal." Christmas, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and throughout his life remained dedicated to performing theater, also effectively delivered more serious onscreen portrayals, as in the 1984 sci-fi adventure "The Philadelphia Experiment" or the 1978 film adaptation of Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People," produced by and starring Steve McQueen. A remarkable character whether acting the Bard or on "Bonanza"--or even staring down carnivorous fruit in the comedic thriller "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes"--Christmas made his final big screen appearance in the slap-happy comedy "Mousehunt," adding to his lengthy resume one last bumbling barrister for the road.