In the 2010 British film “The King’s Speech”, which character was portrayed by Derek Jacobi?

The 2010 historical drama film, “The King’s Speech” centers on Prince Albert’s (who becomes George VI, played by Colin Firth) coping with his speech impediment and Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush) the speech therapist who helps him to control his stammer, over the course of the film the two become friends. The movie culminates with the King giving his first wartime speech in 1939 with help from Logue. Part of the conflict that arises is the contention between the Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Lang (portrayed by Derek Jacobi) and the King. The archbishop felt that Logue was not fit to help the King since he was not formally trained as a therapist.

Derek Jacobi, known for roles in film, on stage and television, although he is principally a stage actor, he has appeared in films such as “Gladiator” (2000) and “Hamlet” (1996). His television appearances include starring in the BBC series “I, Claudius” (1976) and the drama series “Cadfael” (1994 – 1998). His accolades, as of 2023, include two Olivier Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award. He was knighted in 1994 for his services to theatre.

William Cosmo Gordon Lang (born in 1864) was an Anglican priest who at a relatively early period in his career became Archbishop of York in 1909. He would serve until 1928 when he became Archbishop of Canterbury. As the principal leader of the Church of England he presided over the coronation of George VI and Elizabeth in 1937. He retired in 1942, and died in 1945.