
John Bennett was educated at Bradfield College in Berkshire, then trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, followed by a wide repertory theatre experience including Bromley, Bristol Old Vic, Dundee, the Edinburgh Festival and Watford before going to London's West End.
Often cast as a villain, Bennett had many roles on television including Market in Honey Lane, Porridge, Survivors, The Avengers, Strange Report, Bergerac, The Professionals and four episodes of The Saint. He also appeared in several films including The Fifth Element and The Pianist. He also had an extensive stage career.
Away from acting, Bennet was an enthusiastic amateur flier and an accomplished glider pilot. He died in 2005, aged 76.

The Fifth Element
1997 · as Priest

The Pianist
2002 · as Dr. Ehrlich

Minority Report
2002 · as Adulation #4

Lawrence of Arabia
1962 · as Arab Sheik (uncredited)

Priest
1995 · as Father Redstone

Split Second
1992 · as Dr Schulman

The Message
1976 · as Salool

The Plague Dogs
1982 · as Don (voice)

Watership Down
1978 · as Captain Holly (voice)

Eye of the Needle
1981 · as Kleinmann

The Tenth Man
1988 · as Jules

Charlotte Gray
2001

The Mirror Crack'd
1980 · as Barnsby ("Murder at Midnight")

Tai-Pan
1986 · as Orlov

Kaleidoscope
1966 · as Poker Player

The Greek Tycoon
1978 · as Servant

Antonia and Jane
1990 · as Uncle Irwin Carlinsky

The House That Dripped Blood
1971 · as Detective Inspector Holloway (segment "Framework Story")