I'm new too and couldn't agree more with other posters--there is something special about older British male actors--so much panache, presence and charisma, so elegant, subtle and interesting. Most younger actors, whether British or American, are so callow, shallow and boring. Too wussy, too pretty. too...well, you get the idea.

My favorite British (not too old) actor is Bruce Payne--no one has more charisma, panache and intensity. I adore him so much that I started a website named Brcue's Angels with my colleague Israfel. We just celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Tons of photos there at www.brucesangels.com

However there are many other Brits that I love to watch, including the incomparable Patrick McGoohan ("The Prisoner" was the best show ever on television), the elegant Edward Woodward ("The Equalizer"), charming Christopher Eccleston ("Dr. Who"), delightful David Tennant (not that old as "Dr Who"), and Patrick Stewart ("Star Trek: Next Generation").