Cook John

David Cook, born in Preston, Lancashire, was a British author, screenwriter, and actor who lived from September 21, 1940, to September 16, 2015. He received training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London from 1959 to 1961. Cook began his career in acting, with his first film appearance in 1962, and later expanded into stage and television work. He also ventured into writing novels and television scripts in the early 1970s.

He is recognized for being the inaugural presenter of the UK television program Rainbow, hosting its first two series before departing in 1973 to focus on his writing. Cook's 1978 novel, Walter, which explored the life of a young man with learning disabilities, gained significant attention. This novel was adapted into a film that premiered on Channel 4's opening night in 1982, starring Ian McKellen and directed by Stephen Frears. Cook continued to write, with his novel Winter Doves also being filmed, and later a radio play titled Walter Now. He also contributed screenplays for the BBC series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, based on his novel Missing Persons.

David Cook's career spanned multiple creative fields, beginning with acting after his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His initial acting roles were in film and progressed to stage and television. By the early 1970s, Cook had established himself as a writer, contributing both novels and scripts for television. His novel Walter, published in 1978, garnered critical acclaim, winning the Hawthornden Prize. This work was later adapted into a film that was broadcast on Channel 4 in 1982, featuring Ian McKellen and directed by Stephen Frears. Cook's literary output continued with other novels, some of which were also adapted for screen or radio, demonstrating a consistent engagement with narrative storytelling across different media.

Beyond his literary contributions, David Cook had a notable presence in early British television. He is widely remembered as the first presenter of the children's program Rainbow, a role he held for its initial two series. Cook stepped down from the show in 1973 to dedicate more time to his writing endeavors. His work also extended to writing screenplays for television series, including contributions to the BBC's Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. The film adaptation of his novel Walter, broadcast on Channel 4, marked a significant moment, coinciding with the channel's launch, further solidifying his impact on the media landscape.