Ian Abercrombie (born September 11, 1936) is an English actor, best known for playing Elaine Benes' boss Mr. Pitt during the sixth season of Seinfeld. More recently, he has appeared as Alfred Pennyworth in Birds of Prey, 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.
He is also known to cult film audiences as Wiseman in Army of Darkness.
Also, he has guest starred in many television shows such as The Nanny, Wizards of Waverly Place, and NewsRadio.
Currently as of January of 2008, he is in production of a new film, Bentley and Max.
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' audition. That fizzled but he began his long and successful film and television career. For the past 40 years, his theatrical work highlights have included; "As You Like It", "Hamlet", "Misalliance", "The Good Doctor", "The Way Of The World", "Mary Stuart", "Crucifer Of Blood", "Journey's End", "The Wrong Box", "The Cocktail Party", "Bert & Maisy", "Other Places", "Bent", "Natural Causes", "The Vortex", "Rough Crossing", "Africa", "Road & Lettice" and "Lovage". He received awards for his work in "Sweet Prince" with Keir Dullea, "Teeth N'smiles", "A Doll's House" with Linda Purl and "The Arcata Promise" opposite Anthony Hopkins. He also received acclaim for the one-man show "Jean Cocteau - A Mirror Image". Recently a highlight was playing Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady". Ian is also in great demand for voice-work on radio, CD-ROMS, films and commercials.
