Linal Haft (born 23 March 1945 in Leeds) is an English actor, best known for playing controlling or manipulative characters in both film and television, most notably his role as businessman Harry Gold in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2010 to 2011. He is sometimes credited as Lionel Haft.

Biographie

Haft made his acting debut in an episode of Homicide as Harry Bruce in 1968. He went on to play his second role later the same year, as Adams in an episode of Contrabandits. From 1968 to 1978, he had many more roles, including Curly in an episode of Riptide (1969); Don in an episode of The Squirrels (1976); and as Cookson in two episodes of Armchair Thriller (1978). He appeared as Monty Fish in the second series of ITV's post-war comedy drama Shine on Harvey Moon in 1982. Haft accepted the role of Reno in the 2006 thriller film Solo.

Haft portrayed Harry Gold in the British soap opera EastEnders, from 23 June 2010 until late November 2010. He returned on 29 August.

In February 2013 he played Joseph Lavender in the BBC One drama series Ripper Street.

He, Frank Mills and Paul Brooke are the only actors to appear in both the Classic and New series of Minder, but starring in different roles in each.