BIOGRAPHY

Rolf was born at Fort Belvoir in Alexandria, Virginia.  When his father left the army, the family moved permanently to California, eventually settling in the San Francisco Bay Area.  After being in the first class of ACT’s Young Conservatory, he worked with the embryonic Cal Shakes, was a founder member of the Berkeley Mime Troupe and worked a variety of Renaissance and Dickens Faires, where he learned to walk a rope, juggle, blow fire – and had a pretty great time. 

Looking for classical training, he auditioned for and was accepted to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where he eventually joined the Omphalos Street Theatre Company as a performer and director.  Omphalos performed in Festivals throughout the UK including the Edinburgh Festival (nominated for a Fringe First Award) and the Festival of the City of London.  Upon graduating, he was awarded the Gold Medal and presented to the Prince of Wales at the Guildhall’s centenary celebrations.

At graduation, Rolf had a union card, an agent, and offers of a TV series (DAN DARE), a film (LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY) and a season with the ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY.  Things seemed to be looking pretty good so he stayed in the UK . . . and stayed. 

Working in film (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, ENTRAPMENT, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), Television (for the BBC and many other UK TV companies including starring roles in three series and many movies) and theatre including The ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, THEATRE COMPLICITE, the West End and repertory companies throughout the UK, as well as performing British and European premieres of works by Donald Margulies, Miguel Pinero, Neil Simon and Lanford Wilson.  He also became George Stobbart in the BROKEN SWORD series and the American narrator for the TELETUBBIES.

He now divides his time between the US and UK with recent work including the UK tour of Chichester’s production of MACK AND MABLE directed by Jonathan Church, the World Premiere of Jonathan Spector’s EUREKA DAY at the Aurora Theatre and a brace of shows culminating with A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN for Jewel Theatre.