British actors born in 1903
Here are 18 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1903:
Malcolm Muggeridge
Malcolm Muggeridge (March 24, 1903 Sanderstead-November 14, 1990 Robertsbridge) also known as Thomas Malcolm Muggeridge was a British writer, journalist, author and actor. He had one child, John Muggeridge.
Malcolm Muggeridge was born in Sanderstead, Surrey, England as the son of a prominent socialist politician. He studied at Selwyn College, Cambridge and later went on to work for several newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian and Punch. During World War II, he served as a soldier and military intelligence officer.
Muggeridge was known for his caustic wit and his contrarian views on politics, religion, and society. He was a lifelong critic of modernity and what he saw as the decline of Western civilization. He became a prominent convert to Christianity late in life and often wrote on theological topics.
Muggeridge was also a talented broadcaster and television personality, hosting several popular shows in the 1950s and 60s. He won numerous awards for his writing, including the Légion d'honneur from the French government and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite his many accomplishments, Muggeridge was also controversial and sometimes criticized for his conservative views and his controversial opinions on social issues. He died in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England in 1990.
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Ray Noble
Ray Noble (December 17, 1903 Brighton-April 3, 1978 London) otherwise known as Ray Nobel or Noble, Ray was a British composer, bandleader and actor.
He began his career in the 1920s as a popular dance band leader and songwriter, and by the 1930s was working in Hollywood as an arranger and composer for films. He wrote the music for several films, including "Love Is the Sweetest Thing" and "The Way You Look Tonight," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He also played a small role in the film "The Big Broadcast of 1937." Noble returned to England to lead a band during World War II, and continued to perform and record throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He was a respected figure in the British music industry until his death in 1978.
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George Coulouris
George Coulouris (October 1, 1903 Manchester-April 25, 1989 London) also known as George Colouris or George Alexander Coulouris was a British actor. His children are called George Coulouris and Mary Louise Coulouris.
Coulouris performed on stage, screen, and radio in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He began his career in the 1920s as a member of the prestigious Old Vic theatre company in London. In the 1930s, he moved to the United States and appeared on Broadway alongside notable actors such as Helen Hayes, Maurice Evans, and Orson Welles.
Coulouris was a frequent collaborator with Welles, appearing in several of his productions including Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons, and The Lady from Shanghai. He also worked with other acclaimed directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston.
In addition to his acting career, Coulouris wrote two books on the craft of theatre and was a respected acting teacher. He passed away in London at the age of 85.
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Arthur Negus
Arthur Negus (March 29, 1903 Reading-April 5, 1985 Cheltenham) also known as Arthur George Negus was a British presenter and actor.
He was most famous for his appearances on the BBC's "Antiques Roadshow", where he shared his expertise on various antiques and artifacts. Before getting into television, Negus worked as an auctioneer and valuer at a firm in Bath, England. He also wrote several books on antiques, including "The Antique Collector's Handbook" and "The Englishman's Room". In addition to his work in the antiques industry, Negus had a successful career as an actor and played small roles in various films and television shows, including the classic British sitcom "Fawlty Towers". His contributions to the world of antiques and his affable presence on television made him a beloved figure to many.
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Reginald Gardiner
Reginald Gardiner (February 27, 1903 London-July 7, 1980 Westwood) also known as William Reginald Gardiner was a British actor.
He began his acting career in England in 1926 and later moved to Hollywood in the 1930s. Gardiner was known for his distinctive voice, impeccable comedic timing, and his ability to play various character roles. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows in his career, including "The Great Dictator" (1940), "The Harvey Girls" (1946), "The Son of Lassie" (1945), "The Night of the Hunter" (1955), and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964). In addition to his acting career, he was also a successful writer, composer, and stage director. Gardiner passed away in 1980 at the age of 77 in Westwood, Los Angeles.
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Alan Napier
Alan Napier (January 7, 1903 Kings Norton-August 8, 1988 Santa Monica) also known as Alan Napier-Claverin, Alan William Napier-Clavering, Nape or Napier was a British actor and voice actor. He had two children, Jennifer Nichols and Jennifer Raine.
Napier began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, including roles in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) and "Cat People" (1942). He is perhaps best known for his role as Bruce Wayne's butler, Alfred, in the 1960s TV series "Batman."
In addition to his acting work, Napier also lent his voice to several animated films and TV shows. He provided the voice of Dr. David Q. Dawson in Disney's "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986) and played the Mad Hatter in the 1960s "Batman" animated series.
Napier was a longtime friend of author C.S. Lewis and narrated several of his audiobooks. He passed away in Santa Monica, California at the age of 85.
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Harold Warrender
Harold Warrender (November 15, 1903 London-May 6, 1953 Gerrards Cross) also known as Harold John Warrender was a British actor.
He began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Warrender was known for his versatile acting abilities, able to play both comic and serious roles. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, including notable performances in "The Winslow Boy" (1948) and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952). Warrender was also a familiar face on British television, appearing in several popular television shows of the 1950s. Despite a successful acting career, Warrender struggled with his health and unfortunately passed away at the age of 49 due to a heart attack.
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Vernon Sewell
Vernon Sewell (July 4, 1903 London-June 21, 2001 Durban) also known as Vernon Campbell Sewell or Vernon C. Sewell was a British film director, actor and screenwriter.
Sewell began his career in the film industry as an actor, appearing in a few silent films in the 1920s. However, he soon moved behind the camera and directed his first feature film, "The Vulture" in 1937. Over the next few decades, he directed a number of films across various genres, including horror, drama, comedy and thriller.
Some of his most notable works include "Ghost Ship" (1952), "The Blood Beast Terror" (1968) and "Burke & Hare" (1972). He also directed several episodes of the popular British TV series, "The Saint".
Sewell was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create atmospheric and suspenseful films. He often worked with low budgets, but still managed to deliver high-quality work that was praised by critics and audiences alike.
In addition to his work in film, Sewell was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. He continued to work on his art even after retiring from filmmaking in the 1970s.
Sewell passed away in 2001 at the age of 97 in Durban, South Africa. Despite his many achievements, he remains somewhat overlooked in the history of British cinema, but is appreciated by fans of cult and horror movies.
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Wilfrid Hyde-White
Wilfrid Hyde-White (May 12, 1903 Bourton-on-the-Water-May 6, 1991 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Wilfred Hyde White, Wilfred Hyde-White, Hyde White, Wilfrid Hyde White or Hyde-White was a British actor and voice actor. He had two children, Alex Hyde-White and Juliet Hyde-White.
Born in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, England, Wilfrid Hyde-White began his acting career in London's West End and made his film debut in 1933. He appeared in over 130 films including "My Fair Lady" and "The Third Man". Hyde-White was known for his distinctive voice which landed him numerous voice-over jobs, including being the voice of the narrator in the popular television series "The Avengers". He was also known for his roles on Broadway, including "The Sound of Music" and "The Relapse". In addition to his successful acting career, Hyde-White was an avid golfer and was known to spend his free time on the golf course. He passed away in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 87.
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Desmond Jeans
Desmond Jeans (November 14, 1903 Shimla-December 1, 1974 Halifax) a.k.a. Desmond McMinn was a British actor and professional boxer.
He began his acting career in the early 1930s, appearing in several stage productions before transitioning into film work. Jeans appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, including notable roles in "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), "The Winslow Boy" (1948), and "A Night to Remember" (1958). He also had a successful career in television, with appearances in popular shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who." Prior to his acting career, Jeans was a professional boxer under the name "Kid Pattenden" and had a record of 17 wins and 1 loss in the ring. Jeans retired from acting in the early 1970s, and passed away in 1974 at the age of 71.
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Ronald Shiner
Ronald Shiner (June 8, 1903 London-June 29, 1966 London) also known as Ronald Alfred Shiner or Ronnie Shiner was a British actor and stand-up comedian.
Shiner began his career as a music hall performer in the 1920s and later transitioned to film and television. He appeared in numerous British films and TV shows, often playing comedic roles. He was also known for his work in radio, including the popular BBC radio program "Praise Be Praise Be."
During World War II, Shiner served in the British Army and entertained troops as part of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). After the war, he continued to perform and became a popular figure in the British entertainment industry.
Shiner was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 1966 at the age of 63 due to heart failure. Despite his success during his lifetime, he is perhaps best remembered today for his role as Supt. Charlesworth in the classic British comedy film "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951).
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Francis L. Sullivan
Francis L. Sullivan (January 6, 1903 Wandsworth-November 19, 1956 New York City) also known as Francis Loftus Sullivan, Francis Sullivan, François Sully, Francis L.Sullivan or Francis Sullavan was a British actor.
Born in Wandsworth, London, Sullivan began his acting career in the theatre. He made his film debut in 1934 and went on to appear in over 100 films, including notable roles in "The Citadel" (1938), "The Saint in London" (1939), "Oliver Twist" (1948), and "Moby Dick" (1956). He was also a familiar face on British television, appearing in popular series such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Buccaneers". Sullivan was renowned for his deep voice and imposing presence, often portraying authoritative and villainous characters. He passed away in New York City in 1956 at the age of 53.
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Danny Green
Danny Green (May 26, 1903 London-November 27, 1973) was a British actor.
He began his career in the 1920s and worked in the British film industry for over four decades. Green appeared in over 80 films, including classics such as "The Ladykillers", "The Bridge on the River Kwai", and "Oliver!". He was known for his ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. In addition to his film work, Green also had a successful stage career and appeared in various television shows throughout his career. Despite his success, Green was known for being a shy and private person off-screen.
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Mackenzie Ward
Mackenzie Ward (February 20, 1903 Eastbourne-January 1, 1976 Brighton) a.k.a. Rupert John Mackenzie Ward or MacKenzie Ward was a British actor.
He was known for his appearances in popular films such as "The Wicked Lady" (1945) and "Oliver Twist" (1948). Ward began his acting career in the 1920s and found success in the film industry in the 1940s. In addition to his film work, Ward also appeared in several stage productions in London's West End. He was married to actress Patricia Hilliard and the couple had two children together. Ward continued to act until his death in 1976.
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Bob Hope
Bob Hope (May 29, 1903 Eltham-July 27, 2003 Toluca Lake) also known as Leslie Townes Hope, `Old Ski Nose`, Lester Townes Hope, Robert Hope, Packy East, Lester T. Hope, Old Ski Nose, Lester Hope or Bob was a British comedian, golfer, actor, film producer, author, singer, dancer, athlete, lineman, butcher, professional boxer, television producer, vaudeville performer and screenwriter. He had four children, William Kelly Francis Hope, Linda Hope, Eleanora Hope and Anthony J. Hope.
Born in England, Bob Hope moved to the United States at the age of four and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He began his career in show business in the 1920s as a vaudeville performer, eventually transitioning to radio and then film. He appeared in over 70 films and hosted the Academy Awards a record 19 times. Known for his rapid-fire one-liners and self-deprecating humor, Bob Hope was a beloved figure in American entertainment for decades. He also gained a reputation as a philanthropist and entertained U.S. troops overseas for over 50 years, earning the title of "Honorary Veteran" from the U.S. Congress. Bob Hope received numerous awards during his lifetime, including five honorary Academy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
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William Kendall
William Kendall (August 26, 1903 London-April 1, 1984) also known as William Isaac Kendall was a British actor.
He was born in London and began his acting career in the 1920s, performing in plays such as "The Circle" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor". Kendall later transitioned to film and television, appearing in over 50 films and numerous TV shows throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his role as Dr. Boyer in the British TV series "The Avengers". In addition to acting, Kendall was also a fervent supporter of the Conservative Party in the UK and even stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 1945 election. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 80.
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Patrick Ludlow
Patrick Ludlow (March 24, 1903 London-January 27, 1996 London) was a British actor.
Ludlow began his acting career in the late 1920s, performing in various theatres in London. In the 1930s, he appeared in several films, often playing supporting roles. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the 1948 film The Fallen Idol, directed by Carol Reed. Ludlow went on to work with Reed on several films, including The Third Man (1949) and Outcast of the Islands (1951). He also acted in theatre productions, including the West End production of A Streetcar Named Desire in 1949. In addition to his acting career, Ludlow was also a prolific voiceover artist, lending his voice to several radio dramas and documentaries. He continued to act throughout the 1970s, in both film and television productions. Ludlow died in London in 1996 at the age of 92.
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Norman Shelley
Norman Shelley (February 16, 1903 Chelsea-August 22, 1980 London) was a British actor and voice actor. He had one child, Anthony Shelley.
Norman Shelley was best known for his roles on BBC Radio, where he became one of the leading radio actors of his time. He is particularly remembered for his portrayal of John Galsworthy's literary character, Soames Forsyte, in the popular radio adaptation of The Forsyte Saga. Shelley's voice was also featured in several popular radio plays, including The Navy Lark and Paul Temple. Additionally, he had a successful career as a stage actor, appearing in numerous productions in London's West End. Later in life, Shelley became a lecturer on Shakespeare, and he continued working in radio, appearing on several programs until his death in 1980.
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