Simon Napier-Bell

Acting

Simon Napier-Bell

Born 1939-04-22 · Ealing, London, England, UK

Acting credits

WHAM! poster
7.3

Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.

WHAM!

2023

Wham! 10 Days in China poster
7.5

In 1985, WHAM! made history as the first Western pop act to perform in communist China. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou were a cultural milestone – East meets West, music meets politics. Now, newly restored footage reveals the untold story of the iconic tour that helped launch WHAM! to global superstardom.

Wham! 10 Days in China

2026

Queer as Art poster
3.3

Documentary celebrating the LGBTQ contribution to the arts in Britain in the 50 years since decriminalisation. It features interviews with leading figures from right across the arts in Britain, including Stephen Fry, David Hockney, Sir Antony Sher, Alan Cumming, Sandi Toksvig, Jeanette Winterson, Will Young and Alan Hollinghurst, and it explores the distinctive perspectives and voices that LGBT artists have brought to British cultural life.

Queer as Art

2017

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today! The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper & Beyond poster
5.8

Featuring interviews with former employees, fellow musicians, family members and journalists, and supported by original and exclusive never-seen-before footage, this star-studded rockumentary offers a fascinating insight into the creation and recording of one of the most ground-breaking and influential albums in pop history.

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today! The Beatles: Sgt. Pepper & Beyond

2017

Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped poster
6.6

The story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's Wham! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon. As well as new interviews with Wham! fans and friends, figures such as Mary J Blige, Sir Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant and Sam Smith give their views on the song's themes of unrequited love and loss.

Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped

2024

The Story of the Yardbirds poster
8.0

Great documentary covering 1963 until 1968 with tons of original tunes, archive concert footage, interviews with bandmates and associates and behind the scenes look at this influential but short-lived supergroup.

The Story of the Yardbirds

2008

The Brian Epstein Story poster
8.0

Documentary on the life of Brian Epstein, the man who brought The Beatles to fame. A Documentary examining the turbulent life and career of Beatles manager Brian Epstein. Gay when homosexuality was illegal, a gambler, shopkeeper and failed actor, he was also pop king with a Midas touch who, in the 60s, was as well known as the band he managed. Broadcast in two episodes on the BBC Series Arena

The Brian Epstein Story

1998

A Life in the Death of Joe Meek poster
9.0

This documentary chronicles the rise, fall and resurrection of Joe Meek. It shows, due in equal measures to his pioneering DIY recording techniques, hit-making philosophy and a life full of social, psychological and sexual obstacles.

A Life in the Death of Joe Meek

2013

George Michael The Southbank Show 1990 poster
NR

George Michael discusses his career and his songwriting, with contributions from Simon Napier-Bell, Gladys Knight and Nick Coleman from Time Out.

George Michael The Southbank Show 1990

1990

No artwork available
NR

Four young people pinpoint the attitudes that have contributed to the phenomenon of swinging London.

Go Go Go Said the Bird

1966

Behind the camera

27: Gone Too Soon poster
5.8

Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison all died at the age of 27 between 1969 and 1971. At the time, the coincidence gave rise to some comment, but it was not until the death of Kurt Cobain, about two and a half decades later, that the idea of a "27 Club" began to catch on in public perception, reignited with the death of Amy Winehouse in 2011. Through interviews with people who knew them, such as music stars, critics, medical experts and unseen footage, the lives, music, and artistry of those who died at 27 are investigated with a bid to find answers.

27: Gone Too Soon

2018

27: Gone Too Soon poster
5.8

Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison all died at the age of 27 between 1969 and 1971. At the time, the coincidence gave rise to some comment, but it was not until the death of Kurt Cobain, about two and a half decades later, that the idea of a "27 Club" began to catch on in public perception, reignited with the death of Amy Winehouse in 2011. Through interviews with people who knew them, such as music stars, critics, medical experts and unseen footage, the lives, music, and artistry of those who died at 27 are investigated with a bid to find answers.

27: Gone Too Soon

2018

50 Years Legal poster
6.0

Leading activists and commentators explore the changes that have taken place since homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK in 1967 and the influence of gay culture on society.

50 Years Legal

2017

50 Years Legal poster
6.0

Leading activists and commentators explore the changes that have taken place since homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK in 1967 and the influence of gay culture on society.

50 Years Legal

2017

To Be Frank: Sinatra at 100 poster
6.9

The life of Frank Sinatra, as an actor and singer and the steps along the way that led him to become such an icon.

To Be Frank: Sinatra at 100

2015

George Michael: Portrait of an Artist poster
6.7

This is by far the most definitive feature documentary of George Michael's amazing life, told candidly by fellow musicians and other friends who loved and respected him

George Michael: Portrait of an Artist

2023

George Michael: Portrait of an Artist poster
6.7

This is by far the most definitive feature documentary of George Michael's amazing life, told candidly by fellow musicians and other friends who loved and respected him

George Michael: Portrait of an Artist

2023