| Sir Arthur John Gielgud - 1904 - 2000 | |
| Biography | |
 After hearing about his death this week we decided to compile an obituary from various sources rather than vainly attempt to sum up a genius' life that began two whole generations before any of us were even born. We soon realised that it was an insurmountable task. After a truly extensive search we've put together what we hope is a fitting tribute to someone who entertained a great many people. There is little more to say really, I'm saddened of course, but I like to think that one's memory of someone is enough. What a full life! Tom (& Nic) Biography Date of birth: April 14, 1904 Born in London, England; trained at Lady Benson's Acting School and RADA, London. Sir John Gielgud is a highly distinguished and prolific performer who is considered to be one of the finest actors of his generation. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, Gielgud played his first Hamlet in 1930 and quickly established himself as one of the most eminent Shakespearean interpreters of his time, as well as a respected director. He made his screen debut in 1924 in Who Is The Man? and appeared in Hitchcock's Secret Agent in 1936 as well as several Shakespearean adaptations such as Julius Caesar in 1953 and Olivier's Richard III in 1955. Since the late 1960s he has increasingly appeared in character roles. Other film credits include: St Joan; Becket (for which he was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of King Louis VII of France); The Charge Of The Light Brigade; Oh What A Lovely War; Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man; The Elephant Man; Arthur; Chariots of Fire; Gandhi; Scandalous; The Shooting Party; The Far Pavilions; Plenty; The Whistleblower; Bluebeard; Arthur 2; Prospero's Books; Shining Through; The Best of Friends; The Power of One, and First Knight with Sean Connery and Richard Gere. The more recent of his numerous television credits include the BBC's acclaimed series Brideshead Revisited; Wagner; The Master of Ballantrae; Oedipus; War and Remembrance; Quartermain's Terms; A Man For All Seasons; Dante and Virgil; Scarlett; and Inspector Alleyn. Comments Sir John: "I also did a film called Providence for Alain Resnais which I thought was rather successful. I enjoyed Brideshead Revisited very much and also Prospero's Books, although it was very exhausting. Those three films are the ones I would say I'm most pleased with. Arthur was also great fun and came at a time in my life when I really didn't imagine that I would be wanted for a leading role. And what luck! I got my Academy Award for that." Sir John has also written three novels - Early Stages (in 1939), Stage Directions (in 1963) and Distinguished Company (1972). | |
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