He was born Christopher de Lerisson Cazenove, on 17 December 1943, the son of Brigadier Arnold de Lerisson Cazenove and Elizabeth Laura (née Gurney, 1914–1994) in Winchester, Hampshire, but was brought up in Bowlish, Somerset. He was educated at the Dragon School, Eton College, Durham University’s College of the Venerable Bede and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Cazenove often portrayed British aristocrats, and first made his name in the 1972 drama series, The Regiment. Other notable roles included Charlie Tyrrell in the 1976-77 period drama series The Duchess of Duke Street, and in 1986 he appeared as Ben Carrington in the US soap opera Dynasty, which he played until the following year. From 2001-03, he had a recurring role in the British drama series Judge John Deed, playing Row Colemore.

On the stage, he appeared as Henry Higgins in the British and American productions of My Fair Lady from 2005 through to 2008. He also starred in the London West End production of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1994 alongside Susannah York.

Cazenove was married to actress Angharad Rees from 1973 until their divorce in 1994. They had two sons, Linford James (20 July 1974 — 10 September 1999); and Rhys William (born 1976); Linford died in a car crash on the M11 in Essex. From 2003 until his death, Cazenove’s partner was Isabel Davis.

In February 2010, Cazenove collapsed at his London home. He was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital in London, suffering from septicaemia. He died on 7 April 2010 from the effects of the illness at St Thomas’s Hospital, aged 66. The actor “died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones”, said a statement released by his agent, his family and girlfriend.

Cazenove’s funeral on 16 April 2010 was held at St Paul’s, Covent Garden, London.