Leo McKern Leo McKern Reginald McKern, AO (16 March 1920 – 23 July 2002), known professionally as Leo McKern, was an Australian actor who appeared in numerous British, Australian and American television programmes and films, and in more than 200 stage roles. Notable roles he portrayed include Clang in "Help!" (1965), Thomas Cromwell in "A Man for All Seasons" (1966), Tom Ryan in "Ryan's Daughter" (1970), Paddy Button in "The Blue Lagoon" (1980), Dr. Grogan in "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981), Father Imperius in "Ladyhawke" (1985) and, in the role that made him a household name as an actor, Horace Rumpole, whom
Howard McKern awarded First-Class Honours in Chemistry and Geology. McKern received a Diploma in Chemistry from the Sydney Technical College in 1942, while studying physiology, microbiology and botany. In 1957 he completed a Master of Science degree, by thesis, at the University of New South Wales. McKern worked from 1936 until 1945 in analytical and organic chemistry in the Parramatta chemical laboratory of Meggitt Limited, and during that time was promoted to Assistant Chemist. In July 1945, McKern joined the staff of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences as head of the Chemistry Department and was engaged in research on the