David Kossoff (24 November 1919 – 23 March 2005) was a British actor. Because of the drug use of his son Paul, a rock musician, who subsequently died because of drugs, he became an anti-drug campaigner. In 1971 he was also actively involved in the Nationwide Festival of Light, an organisation protesting against the commercial exploitation of sex and violence, and advocating the teaching of Christ as the key to re-establishing moral stability in Britain.
His brother, Alexander, changed his name to Alan Keith and became a BBC radio presenter - the longest-serving and oldest BBC "voice" at the time of his death in 2003, age 94.
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Uncle of British High Court judge Sir Brian Keith who is the son of his brother, Alan Keith.
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Son of a Russian-Jewish East End rag trade worker.
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Trained as a draughtsman at London's Northern Polytechnic. Left in 1937 to work as a furniture designer. After brief military service during World War II, turned to acting, first with the Unity Theatre in 1942, then with the BBC Repertory Company, 1943-45.
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His best known performances were as Colonel Alexander Ikonenko in Peter Ustinov's 'The Love of Four Colonels' on the West End stage; and in 'The Bespoke Overcoat' by Wolf Mankowitz.
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Also active on radio, notably in the science fiction serial 'Journey into Space'.
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He was a popular teller of biblical stories and was a successful author.
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Trained at art and architectural schools, including the Northern Polytechnic.
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Became an anti-drug activist after his son Paul died after years of drug abuse.
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