British actors born in 1916
Here are 28 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1916:
Reg Varney
Reg Varney (July 11, 1916 Canning Town-November 16, 2008 Budleigh Salterton) otherwise known as Reginald Alfred Varney, Reginald Alfred "Reg" Varney or Reg was a British actor. He had one child, Jeanne Varney.
He was best known for his role as Stan Butler in the TV sitcom "On the Buses" which ran from 1969 to 1973. Prior to his acting career, Varney served in the British Army during World War II. He began his career as a variety performer and also worked as a successful songwriter, penning hits such as "Rabbit" and "Gossip Calypso". In addition to "On the Buses", Varney appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, including "The Rag Trade," "The Plank," and "Little Big Shot". Varney was also an avid bus enthusiast and in 1954, he famously became the first person to withdraw money from a cash machine in the world, which was located in Enfield.
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George Pravda
George Pravda (June 19, 1916 Prague-May 1, 1985 London) also known as Jirí Pravda was a British actor.
He was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia to a Russian father and a Czech mother. Pravda's family moved to Russia shortly after his birth and he grew up there until his late teens when he moved to Czechoslovakia.
Pravda began his acting career in Czechoslovakia before moving to England in 1946. He appeared in several British films including "The Third Man" and "Mogambo". He also had a recurring role in the BBC television series "Doctor Who" in the mid-1970s.
Pravda was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to play a wide range of characters. He continued acting until his death in 1985.
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Bernard Archard
Bernard Archard (August 20, 1916 Fulham-May 1, 2008 Witham Friary) also known as Bernard Joseph Archard was a British actor.
He appeared in over 70 films, including "Ice Cold in Alex" (1958), "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956), and "Doctor Zhivago" (1965). He also had a successful career in television, appearing in numerous shows including "The Avengers," "The Saint," "Doctor Who," and "The Prisoner." In addition to his acting work, Archard was a skilled linguist fluent in several languages including French, Spanish, and German. He passed away at the age of 91 in 2008.
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Michael Gough
Michael Gough (November 23, 1916 Kuala Lumpur-March 17, 2011 London) also known as Francis Michael Gough was a British actor, character actor and voice actor. He had four children, Simon Gough, Emma Frances Gough, Jasper Gough and Polly Gough.
Gough's acting career spanned over five decades and he is best known for his roles as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman film series, and as the voice of the villain, Dr. Robotnik, in the Sonic the Hedgehog animated series. He also appeared in numerous stage productions, including several with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Gough began his acting career in the 1930s and his first major film role was in the 1948 movie Blanche Fury. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 150 movies and TV shows, including several popular British TV shows such as Doctor Who and The Avengers.
In addition to his acting work, Gough was also a talented writer and composer. He wrote several plays and musicals and was a respected member of the British theatre community.
Gough was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1989 for his services to drama. He continued to work in films and on stage until his death in 2011, at the age of 94.
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Alfie Bass
Alfie Bass (April 10, 1916 Bethnal Green-July 15, 1987 London Borough of Barnet) also known as Alfred Bass or Abraham Basalinsky was a British actor.
He was born to a Polish-Jewish family in London's East End and began his acting career in the Yiddish theatres of London. Bass went on to work in film, television and theatre, becoming a familiar face to British audiences. He appeared in several films including "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Bespoke Overcoat" and was a regular on the long-running TV series "Are You Being Served?" In addition to his work as an actor, Bass also wrote and produced for television. He was married to Beryl Bryson and had two children.
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Anthony Dawson
Anthony Dawson (October 18, 1916 Edinburgh-January 8, 1992 Sussex) otherwise known as Anthony M. Dawson, Tony Dawson or Anthony Douglas Gillon Dawson was a British actor.
He appeared in over 40 films throughout his career, including several classic Hollywood films such as Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder" and "Dr. No", the first James Bond film. In addition to acting, Dawson also worked as a screenwriter, and contributed to the screenplays of several films including "Thunderball" and "From Russia with Love". He also worked on stage productions in both the UK and US, including a production of "Waiting for Godot". Dawson passed away in 1992 at the age of 75.
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Eric Christmas
Eric Christmas (March 19, 1916 London-July 22, 2000 Camarillo) also known as Eric Cuthbert Christmas was a British actor and teacher. He had one child, Stephen Christmas.
Eric Christmas began his acting career in the late 1940s in England, where he appeared in various films, television shows and stage productions. He moved to Canada in the 1960s and worked extensively in Canadian television and film, including a regular role on the popular TV series "Road to Avonlea".
In the 1980s, Christmas moved to the United States and continued his acting career, appearing in numerous films and TV shows. He is perhaps best known for his roles in movies such as "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Mr. Mom".
Aside from acting, Christmas was also a respected teacher of drama, and he taught at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the Juilliard School in New York City.
Christmas passed away in 2000 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented actor and a dedicated educator.
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Geoffrey Keen
Geoffrey Keen (August 21, 1916 Wallingford, Oxfordshire-November 3, 2005 Northwood, London) also known as Geoffrey Ian Keen or Geoffrey Keene was a British actor. His children are called Mary Keen and Jemma Hyde.
Keen had a prolific acting career spanning over five decades. He appeared in over 130 films and television shows, primarily in supporting roles. Some of his notable film credits include "The Third Man" (1949), "The Battle of the River Plate" (1956), and several James Bond films, including "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979) where he played the character Sir Frederick Gray. On television, he appeared in shows such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Keen also had a successful stage career, performing in productions in London's West End and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to his acting, Keen was also an accomplished painter and author, publishing a book of poetry and a memoir.
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Rupert Davies
Rupert Davies (May 22, 1916 Liverpool-November 22, 1976 London) was a British actor. He had two children, Timothy Davies and Hogan Davies.
Davies began his acting career in the 1940s, performing in theatres across the UK before transitioning to television and film in the 1950s. He is best known for playing the lead role of Detective Superintendent Maigret in the popular British television series "Maigret" in the 1960s. He also starred in various films, including "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" (1965) and "Dr. Who and the Daleks" (1965). Davies was married to actress Jessica Spencer and the couple remained together until his death in 1976 at the age of 60.
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Davy Kaye
Davy Kaye (March 25, 1916 London-February 4, 1998) also known as Kaye, Davy was a British actor.
He was best known for his appearances in many British television shows and films during the 1950s and 1960s including "The Blue Parrot," "Z-Cars," "Doctor Who," and "The Saint." Davy's acting career began in the 1930s with stage productions in London's West End, and he also appeared in several films during the 1940s. He was also an accomplished dancer, appearing in several musical productions on stage and screen. He continued to act in television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and was very well respected among his peers in the acting community. In addition to his work as an actor, Davy was also a talented writer and was known to write poetry and prose in his spare time.
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Sam Beazley
Sam Beazley (March 1, 1916-) is a British actor.
He is best known for his role as Professor Everard in the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix". He began his acting career primarily on stage before moving on to work in movies and television. Beazley is also a veteran of World War II, having served in the British Army. Additionally, he was a respected expert on historic houses and contributed to the conservation of many important properties throughout England. Beazley passed away on June 12, 2017, at the age of 101.
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Joseph O'Conor
Joseph O'Conor (February 14, 1916 Dublin-January 21, 2001 London) also known as Joseph O'Connor was a British actor and playwright.
Joseph O'Connor was born in Dublin, Ireland on February 14, 1916, but later moved to London to pursue a career in acting. He began his acting career in the 1930s in various stage plays and later appeared on both television and film. Some of his notable film roles include "Theatre of Blood" (1973) and "Zulu Dawn" (1979).
Aside from acting, O'Connor was also a successful playwright. His plays include "The Big Parasol" (1961) and "The End" (1965). He also produced and directed plays throughout his career.
O'Connor was married to actress Honor Blackman in the 1950s and they had two children together. He passed away on January 21, 2001, in London at the age of 84.
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John Baskcomb
John Baskcomb (February 7, 1916 Purley, London-March 29, 2000 Helston) was a British actor.
He appeared in a number of films, including "The Blue Lamp" (1950), "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951), and "Room at the Top" (1959). He was also a regular on British television, appearing in shows such as "Dixon of Dock Green" and "Z-Cars". Baskcomb was known for his distinctive voice and often played authority figures such as judges and police officers. In addition to his acting career, he was also a radio announcer for the BBC during World War II. Baskcomb was married to actress Marjorie Rhodes and they remained together until her death in 1979. He continued acting into his later years, and passed away at the age of 84.
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Tommy Godfrey
Tommy Godfrey (June 20, 1916 London-June 24, 1984 London) was a British actor.
He is best known for his work in comedy and is remembered for his roles in popular British sitcoms such as "Dad's Army" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". Godfrey began his career on stage in the 1930s and later transitioned to film and television. In addition to his acting career, he also worked as a writer and composer, writing music for films such as "Scrooge" and "The Sword in the Stone". Despite his success as a performer, Godfrey remained relatively unknown outside of the UK. He continued to act until his death in 1984 at the age of 68.
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Willoughby Gray
Willoughby Gray (November 5, 1916 London-February 13, 1993 Salisbury) also known as John Willoughby Pownall-Gray or John Willoughby Gray was a British actor.
He made his acting debut in 1939 and went on to have a successful career both on stage and screen. Gray appeared in many notable productions including the films "The Ruling Class," "The Bridal Path," and "The Aryan Couple," as well as several TV series such as "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers."
Gray also had a distinguished career in the British Army, serving in the Intelligence Corps during World War II and achieving the rank of Major. His military background often helped him secure roles in war films and TV shows.
In addition to his acting and military careers, Gray was also an accomplished linguist, fluent in several languages including Spanish, French, and Italian. He was known for his impeccable diction and received praise for his narration work on documentary films.
Gray died in 1993 at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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Benny Lee
Benny Lee (August 11, 1916 Glasgow-December 9, 1995) was a British actor and singer.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1916, Benny Lee was an accomplished actor and singer who rose to fame during the mid-20th century. He began his career in films in the 1930s, appearing in a number of British productions throughout the decade. However, it was his work in radio and television that made him a household name. Lee lent his voice to a variety of popular radio programs throughout the 1940s and 1950s, often singing and performing comedy sketches. He also made a number of appearances on television in the 1950s and 1960s, including the popular comedy series "The Benny Hill Show". Outside of his acting and singing work, Lee was also a noted writer and composer, penning songs and scripts for various radio and television programs. He passed away in London in 1995, but his contributions to British entertainment continue to be celebrated today.
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Tom Gill
Tom Gill (July 26, 1916 Newcastle upon Tyne-July 22, 1971) was a British actor and writer.
Gill initially started his career as a comedian and performed at music halls in the UK. However, he later transitioned into acting and is best known for his roles in various films and television shows, including "Charley Moon," "The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery," "The Quatermass Xperiment," and "Moonstrike." In addition to acting, Gill also wrote screenplays for various TV shows and films, including "Probation Officer" and "Operation Cupid." He was married to British actress and singer Dinah Sheridan from 1952 to 1956.
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John Young
John Young (June 16, 1916 Edinburgh-October 30, 1996 Glasgow) was a British actor. His child is called Paul Young.
John Young began his acting career in the 1940s in theatre productions and later transitioned to film and television acting. He appeared in notable films such as "The Dam Busters" (1955), "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961), and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). He also had a prolific television career, making appearances in popular series such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who".
In addition to his acting career, John Young was also a successful playwright, with several of his plays premiering in London's West End. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and received critical acclaim for his stage performances.
John Young passed away in 1996 in Glasgow at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and talented actor and playwright.
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John Slater
John Slater (August 22, 1916 London-January 9, 1975 London) also known as Basil John Slater was a British actor and character actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows throughout his career. Some of his notable works include the films "The Guinea Pig" (1948), "The Long Memory" (1953), and "Sparrows Can't Sing" (1963). He also made appearances on popular British television shows such as "Z-Cars," "The Saint," and "The Avengers."
Slater was known for his ability to portray a variety of characters, from comedic roles to more serious and dramatic ones. He was also a talented voice actor and provided voice work for a number of films and television shows. Outside of his acting career, Slater was an accomplished artist and painter.
Despite his successful career, Slater struggled with alcoholism and died of liver failure at the age of 58. He is remembered as a versatile actor and a notable figure in British entertainment.
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Michael Pertwee
Michael Pertwee (April 24, 1916 London-April 17, 1991 London) was a British screenwriter, playwright and actor.
He was born into a family of show business as his father was an actor and his brother was a renowned actor and television producer. Pertwee started his career as a playwright and wrote several successful plays which were then adapted into movies, and he eventually transitioned into screenwriting.
Pertwee is best known for his work on British television, where he wrote for numerous shows including the popular sitcom "The Navy Lark" which ran for over a decade. He also wrote screenplays for several films including the comedy "Make Mine a Million" and the horror movie "The House That Dripped Blood".
In addition to his work as a writer, Pertwee was also an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows. He often played comedic roles and was known for his sharp wit and sense of humor.
Pertwee's contributions to the worlds of theater, film, and television have left an indelible mark on British entertainment, and his legacy continues to inspire writers and actors to this day.
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John Bentley
John Bentley (December 2, 1916 Sparkhill-August 13, 2009 Petworth) was a British actor.
He started his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in many films such as "The Way Ahead" and "Don't Take It to Heart." In the 1950s, he transitioned to television and became a household name for his role as David Hunter in "The Adventures of Robin Hood." He also appeared in other popular TV shows such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers." Bentley continued acting until the 1990s, and he also wrote two novels during his career. He was married to actress Joan Sterndale-Bennett for over 50 years until her death in 2005.
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Edward Burnham
Edward Burnham (December 25, 1916 Lincolnshire-) otherwise known as Edward Charles Burnham is a British actor. His child is called Vin Burnham.
Edward Burnham began his career as a stage actor and made his debut in London's West End in 1945. He later appeared in various British television shows in the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Avengers" and "Z-Cars". Burnham also had recurring roles in popular BBC dramas such as "Dixon of Dock Green" and "Sherlock Holmes".
In the 1970s, Burnham gained international recognition for his role in the science-fiction series "Doctor Who" as the Time Lord known as the President of the High Council of the Time Lords. He also appeared in the BBC drama "The Onedin Line" and the film "The Abominable Dr. Phibes".
Aside from his acting career, Burnham was also an accomplished pianist and composer, having written music for various theatrical productions. He passed away on September 30, 1993, in London, England.
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Leonard White
Leonard White (November 5, 1916 Newhaven-February 1, 1997 Isle of Wight) also known as Leonard George White was a British actor, television producer and television director.
He began his career as an actor in the 1940s, appearing in various productions on stage, television and film. In the 1950s, he transitioned to producing and directing television shows, most notably co-creating the long-running British series "The Avengers" in 1961. White also directed episodes of other well-known shows such as "The Saint" and "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)." Later in his career, White moved to the Isle of Wight and served as chairman of the Isle of Wight Film & TV Commission. He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1977 for his contributions to television.
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George Silver
George Silver (November 14, 1916 London-June 1, 1984) was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous TV shows, films and stage productions throughout his career. Silver was known for his versatility and impeccable timing, which earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Some of his most memorable film roles include those in "San Demetrio London", "The Yellow Balloon", and "The Culpepper Cattle Co.". On stage, he had leading roles in productions of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Inspector Calls". Silver also appeared in popular TV series like "Doctor Who" and "Z Cars". Later in his career, he took on smaller roles but continued to work almost until his death in 1984.
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Colin Morris
Colin Morris (February 4, 1916 Liverpool-March 31, 1996 London) was a British playwright, screenwriter, actor and television producer.
Morris was one of the founders of the Liverpool Playhouse in 1949 and went on to become the artistic director of the theatre for 12 years. During his tenure, Morris championed new plays, including those written by Liverpool writers, which helped to establish the city's reputation as a centre of theatrical excellence. In addition, Morris wrote several successful plays, including "My Flesh, My Blood" and "The Party", which were performed in London's West End.
Morris also worked extensively in television, producing and writing for major UK broadcasters including the BBC and Granada Television. He was a key writer on the long-running BBC soap opera "Coronation Street" in the 1960s and 1970s, and was instrumental in shaping many of the show's most popular storylines and characters. Later in his career, Morris served as Head of Drama at ATV (now Central Television) and produced the popular 1980s series "Robin of Sherwood".
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Morris was awarded a CBE in 1986.
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Leslie Edwards
Leslie Edwards (August 6, 1916 Teddington-February 8, 2001 London) was a British ballet dancer, ballet master and actor.
He started dancing at a young age and at 18, he joined the Ballet Rambert, where he became a principal dancer. He then joined the Sadler's Wells Ballet (later known as the Royal Ballet) where he danced in various productions, including "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Giselle". Edwards also appeared in several films such as "The Red Shoes" and "The Tales of Hoffmann". After retiring from dancing, he worked as a ballet master and coach, training and mentoring many dancers. Edwards was also an actor and appeared in numerous plays and television programs. He was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1985 for his contribution to dance.
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Gordon McDougall
Gordon McDougall (February 7, 1916 Glasgow-May 18, 1991 Sydney) also known as Gordon Sholto M'Dougal, Gordon McDougal, Gordon Sholto M'Dougall or Gordon Sholto McDougall was a British actor and theatre director.
McDougall began his career in theatre, performing on stage in various productions in the UK before moving to Australia in the 1940s. In Australia, he went on to become a prominent figure in the theatre world, directing productions and managing theatres across the country. He also acted in numerous films and television shows, including the popular Australian TV series, "Homicide" in the 1960s. McDougall was known for his versatility, having acted in a wide range of roles both on stage and screen. His contributions to the Australian theatre scene were recognised with the establishment of the Gordon McDougall Award, which is given annually to promising Australian theatre directors. McDougall passed away in 1991 in Sydney, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Australia's most influential theatre directors.
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Max Geldray
Max Geldray (February 12, 1916 Amsterdam-October 2, 2004 Palm Springs) also known as Geldray, Max, Max van Gelder or Max Leon van Gelder was a British jazz musician and actor. His child is called Philip van Gelder.
Born in Amsterdam, Geldray began his career as a harmonica player in the Netherlands before fleeing to England during World War II. Initially, he struggled to find work, but eventually landed a gig with the famed comedian Tony Hancock, which led to a long-running stint on the popular radio program "Educating Archie." Geldray's unique style of playing the chromatic harmonica made him a sought-after musician in the jazz world, playing alongside luminaries such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong.
In addition to his music career, Geldray also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including the cult classic "The Prisoner." He retired to Palm Springs, California in the 1980s, where he continued to play in local jazz clubs and mentor aspiring musicians. Geldray passed away in 2004 at the age of 88.
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