IAN RICHARDSON, 72 English actor
Ian Richardson, who brought Shakespearean depth to his portrayal of a thoroughly immoral politician in the hugely popular satirical TV drama House of Cards, died yesterday in London, his agent said.
In addition to his many stage, screen and TV roles, Mr. Richardson also appeared in a mustard commercial as the man in the Rolls-Royce who asks, "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?"
Mr. Richardson played the silkily evil Francis Urquhart in three miniseries, House of Cards in 1990, To Play the King in 1993 and The Final Cut in 1995.
Urquhart's smooth riposte to any slur against another character - "You may think that; I couldn't possibly comment" - was picked up by British politicians and heard often in the House of Commons.