Oliver Reed Oliver Reed Robert Oliver Reed (13 February 1938 – 2 May 1999) was an English actor known for his upper-middle class, macho image, hellraiser lifestyle, and "tough guy" roles. Notable films include "The Trap" (1966), playing Bill Sikes in the Best Picture Oscar winner "Oliver!" (1968), "Women in Love" (1969), "Hannibal Brooks" (1969), "The Devils" (1971), portraying Athos in "The Three Musketeers" (1973), "Tommy" (1975), "Lion of the Desert" (1981), "Castaway" (1986), "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988) and "Funny Bones" (1995). For playing Antonius Proximo, an old, gruff gladiator trainer in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" (2000) in what was his
Oliver! Oliver! Oliver! is an English musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. It premiered in the West End in 1960, enjoying a long run, and successful long runs on Broadway, tours and revivals, after being brought to the US by producer David Merrick in 1963. Major London revivals played from 1977–80, 1994–98, 2008–11 and on tour in the UK from 2011-13. Additionally, its 1968 film adaptation, directed by Carol Reed, was highly successful, winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture. A prominent musical in British popular culture,