Ian Abercrombie Movies and Career Information

Ian Abercrombie (born 11 September 1936) is an English actor, best known for playing Alfred Pennyworth in Birds of Prey. He appeared as Elaine Benes' boss Mr. Pitt during the sixth season of Seinfeld, and as a fastidious butler on Desperate Housewives. He is the cousin of John Abercrombie, a jazz guitarist of ECM Recording Star and ex-husband of Elizabeth Romano. Ian Abercrombie began his theatrical career as a lad during the Blitz in World War II. After his footwork years during which he earned Bronze, Silver and Gold medals in dance for the stage, he performed in London, Holland, Ireland and Scotland. He made his American stage debut in 1955 in a production of "Stalag 17" with Jason Robards and Jules Munshin. Many plays in summer stock, regional and off-Broadway followed in a variety of theatrical offerings, from revues to Shakespeare (in a particularly low period, he worked as a magician's assistant for $10 a performance). In 1957 Ian was drafted into the army and stationed in Germany. He was in Special Services, where he directed the Continental premiere of "Separate Tables" and toured with Olivia de Havilland in her show. Back in the US, Ian went to California for a backers'