British actors born in 1912
Here are 23 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1912:
Richard Wattis
Richard Wattis (February 25, 1912 Wednesbury-February 1, 1975 Kensington) also known as Richard Cameron Wattis was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and went on to appear in over 100 films and television shows. Some of his notable film appearances include roles in "The Happiest Days of Your Life", "The Prince and the Showgirl", and "Carry On Sergeant". Wattis was known for his ability to play the quintessential English gentleman or bureaucrat, often with a comedic twist. He was also a regular on the BBC radio show "Just William". In addition to his acting work, Wattis was an accomplished translator of French literature and even translated the novel "Madame Bovary" into English.
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Michael Brennan
Michael Brennan (September 25, 1912 London-June 29, 1982 Chichester) also known as Bernard O'Leary was a British actor.
Michael Brennan had a career in both film and television, spanning over three decades. He appeared in over 100 films including The Third Man (1949), The Longest Day (1962), and A Night to Remember (1958). Brennan's TV credits include The Saint, Danger Man, The Avengers, and The Forsyte Saga. Prior to becoming an actor, Brennan worked as a boxer and was a sparring partner for the legendary fighter, Lennox Lewis. He also served in the British Army during World War II.
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Colin Douglas
Colin Douglas (July 28, 1912 Newcastle upon Tyne-December 21, 1991 London) also known as Colin Martin Douglas was a British actor. He had five children, Amanda Douglas, Angus Douglas, Blaise Douglas, Piers Douglas and Timothy Douglas.
Douglas started his acting career in the 1930s with the Unity Theatre in London. He later went on to perform in stage productions and films, including the 1956 film "The Battle of the River Plate" and the 1968 film "The Lion in Winter". He also appeared in television shows, such as "The Forsyte Saga" and "Z Cars". Douglas was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in several of their productions, including as Feste in "Twelfth Night". In addition to acting, Douglas was also a writer and published several novels and plays.
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Gerald Cross
Gerald Cross (February 20, 1912 England-February 26, 1981 Camden Town) also known as Thomas Gerald Cross was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and went on to appear in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. Some of his notable film roles include "Went the Day Well?" (1942), "The Seventh Veil" (1945), and "The Red Beret" (1953). Cross also appeared in several popular TV shows such as "The Avengers" and "Z-Cars" during the 1960s and 70s. In addition to his acting career, Cross was known for his work as a writer and director in the theatre. He was a founding member of the Actors' Equity Association and served as its president from 1967 to 1972. Cross passed away in 1981 at the age of 69.
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Derek Farr
Derek Farr (February 7, 1912 London-March 22, 1986 London) also known as Derrick Capel Farr was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. Farr had a brief stint in Hollywood during the Second World War, but he returned to the UK to continue his acting career. He was best known for his performances in war films such as "The Dam Busters" (1955) and "The Colditz Story" (1955). In addition to his film work, Farr also had a successful career on stage and on television. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in several popular TV shows, including "Doctor Who" and "The Saint." Farr was married to actress Muriel Pavlow and they remained together until his death.
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Peter Cotes
Peter Cotes (March 19, 1912 Maidenhead-November 10, 1998 Chipping Norton) also known as Sydney Boulting, Peter Boulting or Peter Northcote was a British actor, television director, theatre director, television producer, screenwriter and writer.
He was born in Maidenhead, England on March 19, 1912. In his early years, he worked as a stage actor before transitioning to television as a director and producer. Cotes was particularly known for his work on the popular BBC drama series "The Forsyte Saga", which he directed and produced in the 1960s. He also directed several episodes of the long-running British soap opera "Coronation Street".
Cotes was also a prolific writer, penning several plays and screenplays throughout his career. His most notable works include the stage play "The Young Mrs. Barrington" and the screenplay for the 1959 film "Tiger Bay", which starred Hayley Mills.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Cotes was a prominent figure in political activism. He was a member of the Socialist International and was involved in campaigns for women's rights, animal welfare, and nuclear disarmament.
Cotes passed away on November 10, 1998, in Chipping Norton, England at the age of 86. He is remembered as a multi-talented individual who left a lasting impact on British television and theatre.
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Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray (September 6, 1912 Partney-March 31, 1983 London) also known as Stephen Umfreville Hay Murray, L/C Stephen Murray or Stephen Umfreville H. Murray was a British actor.
He was born in Partney, Lincolnshire and educated at King's School, Grantham. Murray made his stage debut in 1934 and his first film appearance in 1944's "This Happy Breed." He became a familiar face on British television, appearing in many popular programs, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Doctor Who." However, he is best known for his role as Captain Hook in the 1953 film "Peter Pan," a role he later reprised in the stage version. Murray continued to act until his death in 1983, his last major film appearance being in the 1981 war film "The Sea Wolves."
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John Le Mesurier
John Le Mesurier (April 5, 1912 Bedford-November 15, 1983 Ramsgate) also known as John Elton Halliley, John Elton Le Mesurier Halliley, John le Mesurier, John LeMesurier, John Charles Elton Le Mesurier De Somerys Hallilay, John Charles Elton Le Mesurier De Somerys Halliley or John Halliley was a British actor. His children are called Kim Le Mesurier and Robin Le Mesurier.
John Le Mesurier was best known for his roles in British comedies, particularly for his portrayal of Sergeant Wilson in the long-running sitcom "Dad's Army". He also appeared in numerous films, including "The Pink Panther" and "Trial and Error". He was married three times, including to actress Hattie Jacques. In addition to his acting career, Le Mesurier was also a talented pianist and served in World War II as a sergeant with the Royal Air Force. Despite suffering from chronic asthma and a drinking problem, he continued to work consistently throughout his career until his death in 1983.
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William Mervyn
William Mervyn (January 3, 1912 Nairobi-August 6, 1976 London) otherwise known as Bill Mervyn, William Mervyn Pickwoad or Mr. William Mervyn was a British actor. He had three children, Michael Pickwoad, Richard Pickwoad and Nicholas Pickwoad.
Mervyn was best known for his work on stage, television and film. He made his stage debut in 1933 and went on to act in many notable productions including "The Cherry Orchard", "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Tempest". In the 1950s and 1960s, he appeared in various television series such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Dixon of Dock Green". Mervyn's film credits include "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" and "The Ruling Class". He was also a frequent performer on BBC Radio, appearing in several dramas and comedies. Throughout his career, Mervyn was known for his wit and charm both on and off the stage.
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Alec Clunes
Alec Clunes (May 17, 1912 Brixton-March 13, 1970 London) also known as Alexander de Moro Sherriff Clunes, Alexander "Alec" Sheriff de Moro Clunes or Alexander Sheriff de Moro Clunes was a British actor and screenwriter. He had two children, Martin Clunes and Amanda Clunes.
Alec Clunes was born in Brixton, London in 1912. He was the son of Sir Alexander Clunes, a surgeon, and his wife, Nellie. He attended Winchester College and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Clunes began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in stage productions and in films such as "Fanny by Gaslight" and "The Saint's Vacation."
During World War II, Clunes served in the Royal Army Medical Corps and was later posted to the Middle East. After the war, he resumed his acting career, most notably playing the title role in the television series "The Life and Times of David Lloyd George," which aired from 1981-1984.
In addition to his acting work, Clunes also wrote screenplays, including for the film "The Mudlark." He was married twice and had two children, Martin Clunes and Amanda Clunes. Alec Clunes passed away in London in 1970 at the age of 57.
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Ernest Clark
Ernest Clark (February 12, 1912 Maida Vale-November 11, 1994 Somerset) also known as Ernest Clarke was a British actor. He had four children, Tim Clark, Nicholas Clark, Lucy Clark and Katharine Clark.
Ernest Clark began his acting career in repertory theatre in the 1930s before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. He later transitioned to film and television in the 1950s and appeared in several British TV dramas like "Dixon of Dock Green" and "The Avengers".
One of his most notable roles was as Mr. Braithwaite in the popular BBC series "The Railway Children" in 1968. He also appeared in the film adaptation of the same name in 1970.
Aside from acting, Clark was also a talented artist and musician. He played the piano and violin and was interested in painting and sculpture.
Clark passed away in 1994 at the age of 82 in Somerset, England.
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Anthony Pelissier
Anthony Pelissier (July 27, 1912 Chipping Barnet-April 2, 1988 Eastbourne) also known as Harry Anthony Compton Pelissier, Anthony Pélissier or Tony was a British film director, screenwriter, actor, theatre director, theatrical producer and television producer. He had four children, Tracy Reed, Joe Pelissier, Harriet Pelissier and Marie-Louise Pelissier.
Pelissier began his career as a theatre director and producer in London's West End, where he worked on productions such as Terence Rattigan's "The Deep Blue Sea" and "Separate Tables". He then transitioned to film, directing and producing several successful movies in the 1950s and 60s. Some of his notable work includes "The Rocking Horse Winner" (1949), "The History of Mr. Polly" (1949), "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952) and "Oh... Rosalinda!!!" (1955).
In addition to his work in film and theatre, Pelissier also acted in several productions and had a brief stint as a television producer in the late 1960s. He struggled with health issues in later years and passed away in 1988. Despite some controversies over the years, he remains an important figure in British cinema and theatre history.
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David Langton
David Langton (April 16, 1912 Motherwell-April 25, 1994 Stratford-upon-Avon) otherwise known as Basil Muir Langton-Dodds or David Muir Langton was a British actor. He had three children, Simon Langton, Andrew Langton and Robin Langton.
Langton began his acting career in the 1930s on stage and made his way to films and television, with his most notable TV roles being as Richard Bellamy in the iconic British drama series "Upstairs, Downstairs" and as the Duke of Wellington in "The Adventures of Robin Hood". He also acted in Hollywood films such as "The Nun's Story" and "The Trials of Oscar Wilde". In addition to his acting work, Langton also directed several theatre productions in the UK. He was married twice, his second wife being actress Jean Marsh, who co-starred alongside him in "Upstairs, Downstairs". Langton passed away in 1994 at the age of 82.
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Marius Goring
Marius Goring (May 23, 1912 Newport, Isle of Wight-September 30, 1998 Rushlake Green) also known as Marius Backman Goring or Marius Goring, CBE was a British actor. His child is called Phyllida Goring.
Marius Goring was best known for his roles in British films including "The Red Shoes" (1948) and "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954). He was also a prominent stage actor, appearing in productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic Theatre. Goring was a versatile performer, known for his ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to his acting work, he was also a skilled pianist and composer. Later in his career, Goring appeared in popular TV shows such as "The Saint" and "Doctor Who". In 1963, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to the arts.
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Ivan Craig
Ivan Craig (February 22, 1912 Edinburgh-March 7, 1995 Surrey) a.k.a. Walter Ivan Craig or Walter Ivan Sackville Craig was a British actor.
He was best known for his roles in classic British films and TV shows. Ivan began his acting career in the 1930s, initially taking on small roles in various productions before securing larger parts in films such as "The Outsider" (1939) and "The Next of Kin" (1942). His acting career was then put on hold during World War II, where he served in the British Army. After the war, he resumed his acting career, appearing in films such as "The Cure for Love" (1949) and "The Young Lovers" (1949). Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Ivan continued to work in films and television, with notable appearances in popular series such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". His final acting credit was in the 1984 film "Burning Secrets". Despite his extensive filmography, Ivan remained a private individual who rarely spoke about his personal life outside of acting.
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Michael Wilding
Michael Wilding (July 23, 1912 Leigh-on-Sea-July 8, 1979 Chichester) also known as Michael Charles Gauntlett Wilding, Michael Wilding Sr. or The "gentle" Wilding was a British actor. His children are called Michael Wilding Jr. and Christopher Edward Wilding.
Michael Wilding began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly became a successful stage and screen actor in England. He appeared in over 40 films, including "Under Capricorn" (1949) and "The Egyptian" (1954). Wilding was also known for his role as the suave and romantic love interest in several films, including "The Courtneys of Curzon Street" (1947) and "The Law and the Lady" (1951).
Outside of acting, Wilding was a successful businessman and owned a horse racing stable. He was married five times, including to actress Elizabeth Taylor from 1952-1957. The couple had two children together, Michael Jr. and Christopher. After his retirement from acting, Wilding moved to Sussex and focused on his horse racing and charitable activities. He passed away in 1979 at the age of 66.
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Bruce Lester
Bruce Lester (June 6, 1912 Johannesburg-June 13, 2008 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Bruce Lister or Bruce Somerset Lister was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s in British films such as "The Four Feathers" (1939) and "The Saint in London" (1939). During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy but continued acting in propaganda films. In the 1950s, he moved to the United States and appeared in American films such as "North by Northwest" (1959) and "The Lady Is a Square" (1959). He also worked in television, including appearances in "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason." Later in his career, he returned to England and worked in British television. Lester retired from acting in the 1970s and moved to California, where he lived for the rest of his life.
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Christopher Casson
Christopher Casson (March 20, 1912 Manchester-July 9, 1996 Dublin) also known as Casson, Christopher was a British actor, singer and harpist. He had one child, Glynis Casson.
Christopher Casson was born in Manchester, England on March 20, 1912. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer and harpist, performing in various venues across the UK. In the 1940s, he transitioned to acting and appeared in a number of films and television shows.
Casson's most notable film roles include "The Dam Busters" (1955) and "The Longest Day" (1962). He also appeared in several TV shows, including "The Avengers" and "Z Cars."
In addition to his acting work, Casson was also a talented stage actor and performed in many productions throughout his career. He was particularly well-known for his performances in Shakespearean plays.
Casson passed away in Dublin, Ireland on July 9, 1996 at the age of 84. He was survived by his daughter, Glynis Casson, who also went on to have a successful career in acting.
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Victor Beaumont
Victor Beaumont (November 7, 1912 Berlin-March 21, 1977) a.k.a. Peter Wolff was a British actor.
He began his acting career in Germany in the 1930s before immigrating to the UK in 1934 to escape Nazi persecution due to his Jewish heritage. In the UK, he changed his name to Victor Beaumont and continued his acting career. He appeared in a variety of film and TV roles throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including the films "The Saint in London" and "The Brides of Dracula." He also appeared in several episodes of the TV series "The Avengers." In addition to his acting work, Beaumont served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He passed away in 1977 in London, England at the age of 64.
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Hamilton Dyce
Hamilton Dyce (March 14, 1912 Sandhurst-January 8, 1972 Surrey) was a British actor.
Dyce started his acting career in the 1940s, performing in various productions in London's West End theater district. He made his film debut in the 1947 movie "Odd Man Out". Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Prisoner," "The Avengers," and "The Saint."
In addition to his acting work, Dyce was also a writer and director. He wrote the play "The Pedagogue," which was performed at the Arts Theatre in London in 1953. He also directed a production of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" at the New Theatre in London in 1959.
Dyce's final onscreen appearance was in the 1971 film "Nicholas and Alexandra." He passed away the following year at the age of 59.
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Maurice Dallimore
Maurice Dallimore (June 23, 1912 Essex-February 20, 1973 Hollywood) a.k.a. Maurice Dalimore was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s in the United Kingdom, where he appeared in various stage productions and British films. He became well known for his roles in British war films during World War II. In the late 1940s, he moved to Hollywood and began working in American films. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Ten Commandments" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." He also had guest roles on various television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Hogan's Heroes." Dallimore was known for his deep voice and imposing physical presence, which made him well suited for playing authority figures and villains on screen. He died of a heart attack at the age of 60.
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Basil Langton
Basil Langton (January 9, 1912 Clifton, Bristol-May 29, 2003 Santa Monica) was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the UK theater and later moved to Hollywood where he appeared in over 100 films and television shows. Some of his well-known film credits include "The Secret Garden," "Little Women," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," and "The Big Clock." He also had recurring roles in popular TV series such as "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "The Twilight Zone." Langton was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to portray diverse characters in both comedic and dramatic roles. He retired from acting in the 1980s and lived a quiet life in California until his passing in 2003.
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George Webb
George Webb (March 6, 1912 London-December 30, 1998 London) a.k.a. George Augustus Webb was a British actor. He had one child, Michael Webb.
Webb began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in a variety of films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Yellow Balloon" (1953), "The Siege of Sidney Street" (1960), and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" (1961). On television, he appeared in shows such as "Z-Cars" and "The Avengers".
In addition to his acting work, Webb was also a talented artist and musician. He played several instruments including the piano and saxophone, and often incorporated music into his performances. He also enjoyed drawing and painting, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout England.
Throughout his life, Webb remained dedicated to his family, and he often spoke about the importance of maintaining close relationships with loved ones. He passed away in London in 1998 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as both an accomplished actor and a devoted family man.
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