British actors born in 1917
Here are 23 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1917:
Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke (December 16, 1917 Minehead-March 19, 2008 Colombo) otherwise known as Arthur Charles Clarke, Charles Willis, E. G. O'Brien, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, Arthur Clark, Clarke, Arthur C., Arthur Clarke, Charles Wills or Charles A Wills was a British inventor, author, writer, novelist, explorer, presenter, actor and screenwriter.
He is best known for his science fiction writing, including the novel "2001: A Space Odyssey," which was later adapted into a film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Clarke was also a scientist and futurist, and he is credited with predicting the development of telecommunications satellites, something that later became a reality with the launch of the first communications satellite in 1962. He was awarded numerous honors throughout his career, including the Kalinga Prize for popularizing science in 1961, and he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. Clarke spent much of his later years in Sri Lanka, where he helped develop the country's diving industry and was involved in numerous charitable causes. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 90.
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Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford
Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford (May 24, 1917 London-October 25, 2002 Santa Fe) otherwise known as John Ian Robert Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford, John Ian Robert Russell, Lord Howland, Marquess of Tavistock, Lord Tavistock, 13th Marquess of Tavistock, 17th Earl of Bedford, 17th Baron Russell, 15th Baron Russell of Thornhaugh, 13th Baron Howland, John Robert Russell, John Russell, Duke of Bedford, The Duke of Bedford or John Ian Robert Russell, Lord Howland was a British writer, journalist and actor. His children are called Robin Russell, 14th Duke of Bedford, Lord Rudolf Russel and Lord Francis Hastings Russell.
Ian Russell, 13th Duke of Bedford was born into a noble family, the House of Russell, which had a long history of political and social influence in England. He received his education at Winchester College and Trinity College, Cambridge. During World War II, he served in the British Army and became a prisoner of war in Italy. After his release, he pursued a career in journalism and writing. He was a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines and authored several books including "The Life of Edward VII" and "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth: A Tribute to the Life and Reign of the Queen Mother". Apart from writing and journalism, he had an interest in acting and appeared in several films and television series. He was also a keen philanthropist and supporter of various charitable causes. In 1953, he married Clare Gwendolen Bridgman, and together, they had three children. He passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2002, and his eldest son, Robin Russell succeeded him as the 14th Duke of Bedford.
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David Bauer
David Bauer (March 6, 1917 Chicago-July 13, 1973 London) also known as David Wolfe was a British actor. His child is called Alexa Bauer.
David Bauer began his acting career in the United States, starting in radio dramas and eventually making his way to television and film. He appeared in several popular TV shows during the 1950s and 1960s, including The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, and The Saint. In the early 1960s, Bauer moved to England, where he continued to work in television and film.
While in England, Bauer appeared in several British TV shows and films, including Thunderball, The Avengers, and The Prisoner. He was known for his deep voice and commanding presence on screen. Bauer was also a talented stage actor and performed in several productions in London's West End.
Bauer was married to his wife Joan for over 25 years and the couple had one daughter, Alexa Bauer. David Bauer passed away in London in 1973 at the age of 56.
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John Arnatt
John Arnatt (May 9, 1917 Saint Petersburg-December 21, 1999 Surrey) otherwise known as John Edwin Arnatt was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1940s, and went on to appear in many television shows, films and plays. He was best known for his roles in the TV series "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". Arnatt also had a successful career on stage, appearing in productions of Shakespeare plays and other classics. He was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many radio dramas and animated shows. Arnatt was known for his deep, distinguished voice, which made him a popular choice for voice-over work. He died at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances on stage, screen and radio.
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Geoffrey Nares
Geoffrey Nares (June 10, 1917-August 20, 1942 Cairo) a.k.a. Geoffrey Owen Nares was a British actor and designer.
Nares was known for his roles in several notable films such as "The First of the Few" (1942), "The Saint Meets the Tiger" (1943), and "The Saint in London" (1939). He also designed costumes for various productions before his untimely death at the age of 25 while serving in World War II. Nares was a pilot in the Royal Air Force and was killed during a bombing mission over Cairo. Despite his short-lived career, he was considered a promising actor and designer in the industry.
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Dan Cunningham
Dan Cunningham (January 1, 1917 Beverley-September 1, 2001 Lancashire) also known as Ian Danson Cunningham was a British actor.
He appeared in many British films and TV shows from the 1940s through the 1990s. Some of his most notable roles include playing Hotspur in the 1944 film "Henry V" directed by Laurence Olivier, and Mr. Tolliver in the 1961 film "Whistle Down the Wind." He was also a prolific stage actor and worked extensively in the West End, as well as with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In addition to acting, Cunningham was also a noted playwright, and his play "The Purification" premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1969. He was married to fellow actor and writer Jean Stubbs for over 50 years.
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Ivor Dean
Ivor Dean (December 21, 1917 London-August 10, 1974 Truro) a.k.a. Ivor Donald Dean was a British actor and writer.
He was born in London and began his acting career in 1948. He appeared in over 50 films and television shows during his career, including the films "The Curse of the Werewolf" and "The Longest Day." In addition to acting, Dean was also a writer, penning episodes of the television series "The Saint." Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Dean suffered from alcoholism and ultimately died from liver failure in Truro at the age of 56.
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Gerald James
Gerald James (November 26, 1917 Brecon-June 1, 2006) was a British actor.
He was born in Brecon, Wales and began his acting career in the Royal Air Force before making his way onto the London stage. James is known for his roles in several popular British films including "The Guns of Navarone" (1961), "55 Days at Peking" (1963), and "The Day of the Jackal" (1973). He also had numerous television appearances throughout his career, appearing in shows such as "The Avengers" and "Danger Man". In addition to his acting work, James also served as the Vice President of the British Actors' Equity Association. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 88.
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Thomas Heathcote
Thomas Heathcote (September 9, 1917 Shimla-January 5, 1986 London) also known as Tom Heathcote was a British actor.
Heathcote began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared on stage, screen, and television. He is best known for his role as Mr. Grimsdale in the popular British film series, the "Norman Wisdom" comedies. Heathcote made his film debut in 1949 with "Diamond City" and went on to appear in over 40 films, including "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Curse of the Werewolf." In addition to acting, Heathcote was also an accomplished stage performer, appearing in numerous productions in London's West End. He was also a regular face on British television, appearing in shows such as "The Avengers" and "Z Cars." Despite his success as an actor, Heathcote remained relatively unknown outside of the UK. He passed away in London in 1986 at the age of 68.
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John Justin
John Justin (November 24, 1917 London-November 29, 2002 Petersfield) also known as John Justinian de Ledesma was a British actor.
He was born in London, England to Spanish and English parents. Justin began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940) and "The Crimson Pirate" (1952). He also acted on stage in productions such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for the Old Vic Theatre Company. Justin gained international recognition for his roles in Hollywood films such as "The King's Thief" (1955) and "Solomon and Sheba" (1959). During the 1960s and 1970s, he focused more on television roles, appearing in shows like "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Justin was also a skilled linguist and spoke eight languages fluently. He was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1986 for his contributions to British theatre and film.
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John Chandos
John Chandos (July 27, 1917 Glasgow-September 21, 1987 Chichester) also known as John Chandos McConnell was a British actor, radio personality, theatrical producer and writer.
He began his career in show business as a member of an acting company that toured the United Kingdom. He later became a popular radio personality on the BBC, where he hosted several programs and interviewed notable figures in entertainment and politics. In addition to his work on radio, Chandos was also a successful theatrical producer and helped bring several plays to the West End. He wrote several books about the entertainment industry, including memoirs about his time as a radio presenter and producer. Chandos is remembered as a skilled performer and an influential figure in British entertainment in the mid-20th century.
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Meredith Edwards
Meredith Edwards (June 10, 1917 Rhosllannerchrugog-February 8, 1999 Denbighshire) a.k.a. Gwilym Meredith Edwards was a British actor and writer. His child is called Ioan Meredith.
Edwards was born in the village of Rhosllannerchrugog in North Wales, where he spent his childhood years. He began his career in acting in the 1930s and appeared in various stage productions before transitioning to television and film. Some of his most notable film roles include "The Blue Lamp" (1950), "The Cruel Sea" (1953), and "The Man in the White Suit" (1951).
In addition to acting, Edwards was also a talented writer and translator. He translated many of William Shakespeare's works into Welsh, including "Othello" and "Macbeth". He also wrote his own plays and acted in them, with one of his most popular works being "Y Storm" (The Tempest), which he wrote and starred in for the Welsh-language television channel S4C.
Throughout his career, Edwards was an advocate for the Welsh language and culture. He was a prominent member of the Welsh nationalist political party Plaid Cymru and served as its president from 1970 to 1972. Despite his success as an actor, Edwards remained committed to promoting the Welsh language and preserving Welsh culture until his death in 1999.
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Paul Rogers
Paul Rogers (March 22, 1917 Plympton-October 6, 2013 London) was a British actor.
His career spanned over six decades, and he is best known for his stage performances in plays such as Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land" and Arthur Miller's "The Crucible". Rogers also had a successful career in film and television, with notable roles in "Billy Budd", "The Sullivans", and "Chariots of Fire". In addition to his acting career, Rogers was an accomplished painter and illustrator. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1988 for his services to drama.
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Cardew Robinson
Cardew Robinson (August 14, 1917 Goodmayes-December 28, 1992 Roehampton) also known as Douglas Robinson, Cardew 'The Cad' Robinson or Douglas John Cardew Robinson was a British actor. He had two children, Leanne Robinson and Lindy Robinson.
Cardew Robinson started his career in the entertainment industry as a comedian, often appearing on radio and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. He had a particular talent for playing eccentric characters and delivering witty one-liners. Robinson also appeared in several films during his career, including "The Benny Goodman Story" (1956), "Don't Panic Chaps" (1959) and "The Bulldog Breed" (1960).
In addition to his acting work, Robinson was also a talented musician, playing both the trumpet and the piano. He often incorporated his musical talent into his comedy routine, delighting audiences with his musical parodies and performances.
Robinson was known for his love of practical jokes and his mischievous sense of humor. He was a popular figure in the British entertainment industry and was highly regarded by his peers.
After his death in 1992, his legacy in the world of British comedy and entertainment continued to live on.
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Michael Somes
Michael Somes (September 28, 1917 Horsley-November 18, 1994 London) also known as Michael George Somes, Michael Soames or Michael George Somes CBE was a British actor and ballet dancer.
Somes is most famously known for being one of the leading dancers with the Royal Ballet, where he had a career spanning three decades. He joined the company in 1933 and was promoted to principal dancer in 1941. Some of his most renowned roles include Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.
Somes was also a choreographer and created numerous works for the Royal Ballet, including the ballet version of The Tales of Beatrix Potter, which is still performed by the company today.
In addition to his work with the Royal Ballet, Somes appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career. He retired from dancing in 1961 and continued to work as a director and teacher of ballet until his death in 1994.
Somes was honored with several awards throughout his life, including being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953 and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award in 1954.
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Milton Reid
Milton Reid (April 29, 1917 Mumbai-November 27, 1987 India) a.k.a. Milton Read, Milton Gaylord Reid, The Mighty Chang, Milton Rutherford Reid or Jungle Boy was a British actor and wrestler. His child is called Milton Reid Jr..
Milton Reid began his career as a professional wrestler, performing under the ring name "The Mighty Chang". He gained a reputation as a skilled wrestler and traveled the world competing in matches. In the 1950s, Reid transitioned his career into acting, primarily appearing in British films. He often played the roles of villains, due in part to his imposing size and deep, booming voice.
One of Reid's most memorable roles was in the James Bond film "Dr. No" (1962), in which he played the character of Professor Dent's henchman, who is killed by Bond in a fight scene. Reid also appeared in other notable films such as "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974) and "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977).
In addition to his wrestling and acting careers, Reid was also involved in politics. He was a member of the UK's Conservative Party and ran for office on a few occasions.
Reid passed away in 1987 at the age of 70 in India, where he had returned to his roots and was involved in charitable work.
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Tony Van Bridge
Tony Van Bridge (May 28, 1917 London-December 20, 2004 Niagara-on-the-Lake) a.k.a. Valentine Anthony Neil Bridge or Tony van Bridge was a British actor. He had five children, Michael Morpurgo, Pieter Morpurgo, Shona Bridge, David Cheyne and Peter Cheyne.
Tony Van Bridge was born in London in 1917, and began his acting career in the 1940s. He was a well-known stage actor in England, and also appeared in films and television shows throughout his career. In the 1950s, Tony moved to Canada, and became a well-respected figure in Canadian theatre. He was a founding member of the Stratford Festival in Canada, and performed in a number of productions throughout his career.
Tony Van Bridge was also an accomplished voice actor, and lent his voice to a number of animated films and TV shows throughout the years. His work in this arena earned him a reputation as one of the most respected voice actors of his time.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Tony Van Bridge was also a dedicated family man. He had five children, and was known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He passed away in 2004 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, leaving a legacy as one of the most talented and beloved actors of his time.
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James Donald
James Donald (May 18, 1917 Aberdeen-August 3, 1993 Wiltshire) otherwise known as James R.N. Donald, Jim Donald or James Robert MacGeorge Donald was a British actor and winemaker.
He began his acting career in theatre during the 1930s and eventually transitioned to film and television. Donald appeared in over 40 films, including "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "The Great Escape." Throughout his career, he also made numerous television appearances, including roles in "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers."
Aside from his acting career, Donald was also passionate about winemaking. He purchased a vineyard in France in the 1960s and started making his own wine, which he called "Le Vin Donald." He won several awards for his wine and was even appointed as an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit by the French government.
Donald was married twice and had several children. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 76.
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John Merivale
John Merivale (December 1, 1917 Toronto-February 6, 1990 London) also known as John Herman Merivale, Jack or Jack Merivale was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in several stage productions before moving on to film and television. Merivale is perhaps best known for his role as Caesar Augustus in the 1951 film "Quo Vadis", for which he received critical acclaim. He also played a variety of roles in other films such as "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" (1959), "The List of Adrian Messenger" (1963) and "The Lion in Winter" (1968). In addition to acting, Merivale was a talented writer and poet, publishing several volumes of his work throughout his career. He was married to actress Judith Evelyn until her death in 1967, and later entered a long-term relationship with actress Vivien Leigh. Merivale passed away in London in 1990 at the age of 72.
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John Barrie
John Barrie (May 6, 1917 New Brighton-March 24, 1980 York) was a British actor.
He appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including the 1959 film "The Mouse That Roared" and the popular television series "Z Cars" in the 1960s. Barrie was also a prolific stage actor, performing in productions of plays by Shakespeare and other notable playwrights. In addition to his acting work, Barrie was also an accomplished writer and director, and he served as the artistic director for the Theatre Royal in York during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was married to actress Margaretta Scott from 1961 until his death in 1980.
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Peter Glaze
Peter Glaze (September 17, 1917 London-February 20, 1983 Dartford) a.k.a. William George Peter Glaze was a British actor.
He was best known for his work as a presenter and performer on the children's television program "Crackerjack" in the 1960s and 1970s. Glaze began his career in the entertainment industry as a variety performer before transitioning to television. In addition to his work on "Crackerjack," he also appeared on other television programs including "The Benny Hill Show" and "Carry On Laughing." Glaze was also a talented musician, playing the trumpet and guitar.
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John Whiting
John Whiting (November 15, 1917 Salisbury-June 16, 1963 London) also known as John Robert Whiting was a British playwright and actor. His children are called Jonathan, Mark, Teresa and Catherine.
Whiting's most famous play is "The Devils," which was based on the Aldous Huxley novel "The Devils of Loudun." The play was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1961 and went on to be performed on Broadway in 1965. In addition to his successful writing career, Whiting also worked as an actor, appearing in a number of films and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Whiting passed away at the age of 45 from a heart attack.
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Frankie Howerd
Frankie Howerd (March 6, 1917 York-April 19, 1992 Fulham) a.k.a. Francis Alick Howard, Ronnie Ordex, Frankie Howerd O.B.E., Francis Alick "Frankie" Howerd OBE or Frankie Howard was a British actor, screenwriter and comedian.
He began his career in the 1940s as a stand-up comedian and went on to star in numerous radio and television shows, including "Up Pompeii!" and "The Frankie Howerd Show." He also appeared in several films, including "The Ladykillers" and "Carry On Doctor." Howerd was known for his unique style of comedy, which often involved breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience directly. He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and was awarded the OBE in 1977 for his contributions to British comedy.
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