British actors died in 1956
Here are 15 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 1956:
Henry Stephenson
Henry Stephenson (April 16, 1871 Grenada-April 24, 1956 San Francisco) also known as Herbert Brough Falcon Marshall, Harry Stephenson, Henry Stephenson Garroway, Henry S. Garroway, Harry Stephenson Garraway or Henry Stephenson Garraway was a British actor. He had one child, Anne Hall.
In his early career, Stephenson appeared on stage throughout England and made his Broadway debut in 1901. He later transitioned to film and appeared in over 100 movies throughout his career, including classics such as "Little Women," "David Copperfield," and "Mutiny on the Bounty."
Stephenson was known for playing aristocratic figures, and his refined British accent became his trademark. He often portrayed wise old mentors or judges, and was also known for his ability to play villains with a charming demeanor.
In addition to his acting career, Stephenson was also a writer and wrote several plays throughout his life. He was a member of the Garrick Club in London and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1948 for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He passed away in San Francisco at the age of 85.
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Edward Cooper
Edward Cooper (June 28, 1883 Bolton-July 15, 1956 Surrey) was a British actor.
He appeared in over 200 films during his career, which spanned from the silent era to the 1950s. Cooper also worked as a screenwriter, contributing to scripts for films such as "Sanders of the River" (1935) and "The Return of Frank James" (1940). In addition to his work in film, Cooper was a prolific stage actor, performing in many West End productions. He was a versatile performer, equally adept at drama and comedy. Cooper's notable film roles include Mr. Brownlow in "Oliver Twist" (1948) and Dr. McFarlane in "Green for Danger" (1946).
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Lawson Butt
Lawson Butt (March 4, 1880 Bristol-January 14, 1956 Hampshire) also known as W. Lawson Butt or Wilfred Lawson Butt was a British actor and film director.
He began his career in silent films and was known for his roles in popular films such as "Tons of Money" and "The Love Test." He gradually transitioned to directing as well and made several successful films including "Palais de Danse" and "The King's Highway." Butt was a prolific actor and is credited with over 80 film appearances in both British and American productions. In addition to his film work, he also acted in several stage productions, including the West End production of "The Shop at Sly Corner." Despite his successful career, Butt is often overlooked in the history of British cinema.
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Edmund Willard
Edmund Willard (December 19, 1884 Brighton-October 6, 1956 Kingston upon Thames) was a British actor. He had two children, Christopher Willard and Barbara Willard.
Edmund Willard was known for his many roles in British theatre, film, and television. He began his career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Some of his most notable film credits include "The Ghost Train" (1931), "The Amazing Mr. Beecham" (1949), and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952).
Willard was also a familiar face on British television, appearing in popular shows such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood", "The Saint", and "Doctor Who". In addition to his acting work, Willard was a keen collector of antiques and was well-known as an expert in the field.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Willard remained a private individual and little is known about his personal life. After his death in 1956, he was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's Church in Long Ditton, Surrey.
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Gordon Hopkirk
Gordon Hopkirk (November 27, 1884 Jena-November 27, 2014) also known as Hubert Gordon Hopkirk or H. Gordon Hopkirk was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1900s, appearing on stage in London, and later moving into film. Hopkirk appeared in over 40 films throughout his career, including roles in popular films such as "The 39 Steps" and "The Lady Vanishes". He was best known for his work in the British film industry, where he became a respected character actor. In addition to his film work, Hopkirk was also a prolific radio actor and could be heard on many popular radio programs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He passed away on his 130th birthday in 2014, making him one of the oldest people in history.
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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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Robert Newton
Robert Newton (June 1, 1905 Shaftesbury-March 25, 1956 Beverly Hills) was a British actor. He had three children, Sally Newton, Nicholas Newton and Kim Newton.
Newton's most famous role was that of Long John Silver in the 1950 film "Treasure Island". Although he appeared in over 40 films throughout his career, he struggled with alcohol addiction which affected his personal and professional relationships. Despite this, he was remembered by his colleagues as a talented and charismatic actor. Newton passed away at the age of 50 from a heart attack while on vacation in Beverly Hills.
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Frederick Valk
Frederick Valk (June 10, 1895 Hamburg-July 23, 1956 London) a.k.a. Fritz Valk was a British actor.
He was known for his stage and screen performances, especially his portrayals of authoritarian figures. Valk began his acting career in Germany before emigrating to England in the 1930s to escape Nazi persecution. He quickly made a name for himself in the English theatre scene before transitioning to film in the 1940s. Some of his notable film roles include Professor Cochrane in "Dead of Night" (1945) and the Grand Inquisitor in "Don Giovanni" (1955). Valk was also a prolific interpreter of Bertolt Brecht's works, appearing in several productions of "The Threepenny Opera" and "Mother Courage and Her Children." Despite his success, Valk suffered from ill health for much of his life and passed away at the age of 61 in London.
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John Turnbull
John Turnbull (November 5, 1880 Dunbar-February 23, 1956 London) also known as Stanley Turnbull was a British actor.
He began his acting career on the stage, performing in a variety of productions before making his way to the silver screen. Turnbull appeared in over 60 films during his career, often portraying supporting roles such as detectives or military officers. Some of his notable film credits include "The 39 Steps" (1935), "The Lady Vanishes" (1938), and "The Saint in London" (1939). Aside from his acting career, Turnbull also served in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. Turnbull passed away in London at the age of 75.
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Charley Rogers
Charley Rogers (January 15, 1887 Birmingham-December 20, 1956 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Charles H. Rogers, Charles Alfred Rogers or Charles Rogers was a British screenwriter, actor and film director.
Rogers was best known for his work as a writer and collaborator with Laurel and Hardy, having co-written many of their most popular films including "Sons of the Desert", "Way Out West", and "Block-Heads". Prior to his work with Laurel and Hardy, Rogers was an actor and director in his own right, starring in films such as "The Better 'Ole" and "Red Hot Rhythm". He also directed early sound films such as "The Devil's Brother" and "Babes in Toyland". Rogers retired from the film industry in the 1940s and passed away in 1956 at the age of 69.
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Tod Slaughter
Tod Slaughter (March 19, 1885 Newcastle upon Tyne-February 19, 1956 Derby) a.k.a. Norman Carter Slaughter or N. Carter Slaughter was a British actor.
He is best known for his roles in melodramatic and horror films, often playing villainous characters. Slaughter began his career in the early 1900s performing in music halls and theater productions. In the 1920s, he transitioned to film and became one of the most popular stars of the British horror genre. His most famous roles include the title character in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (1936), the wicked Sir Jasper in "Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn" (1935), and the villainous Judge in "Crimes at the Dark House" (1940). Slaughter's acting style was known for its over-the-top villainy and exaggerated gestures, earning him the nickname "The King of the Horror Villains". He continued to act in films and on stage until his death in 1956.
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Gerald Fielding
Gerald Fielding (July 6, 1910 Darjeeling-June 3, 1956 Encino) was a British actor.
Fielding started his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several West End productions such as "The Three Musketeers" and "Cavalcade". He then moved to Hollywood and starred in several films in the 1940s including "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" and "Dark Waters". Fielding was also known for his stage work and received critical acclaim for his performances in productions such as "Hamlet" and "The Tempest". Unfortunately, he died at the age of 45 from a heart attack in Encino, California. Despite his short career, Fielding was remembered as a versatile actor who brought depth and authenticity to his roles.
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Hassard Short
Hassard Short (October 15, 1877 Edlington, Lincolnshire-October 9, 1956 Nice) also known as Hubert Hassard-Short or Hubert Edward Hassard Short was a British actor, theatre director, lighting designer and set designer.
Throughout his career, Hassard Short worked extensively in both England and the United States. He began his career as an actor and appeared in numerous stage productions, as well as a few films. He also worked as a theatre director and had a significant impact on the development of modern theatre in England.
In addition to his work in theatre, Hassard Short was also known for his work in lighting and set design. He was a pioneer in his field and helped to revolutionize the way that lighting was used in stage productions. His innovations included new ways of projecting light and using colored gels to create different moods and atmospheres on stage.
Hassard Short's contributions to the theatre industry were widely recognized throughout his career. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, and was highly respected by his peers. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer in the world of theatre design and production, and his work continues to inspire and influence designers around the world.
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Frank Birch
Frank Birch (December 5, 1889 London-February 14, 1956 London) also known as Francis Lyall Birch was a British actor.
He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film, appearing in over 70 films throughout his career. Birch was known for his versatility and appeared in various genres including drama, comedy, and thrillers. Some of his memorable roles include playing the butler in Alfred Hitchcock's "Young and Innocent" (1937) and the hangman in "The Citadel" (1938). In addition to his film work, Birch also acted in radio plays and was a regular performer on BBC radio programs. He was married to actress and playwright Margery Fenwick and they had two children together. Birch passed away at the age of 66 due to a heart attack.
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Alec Fraser
Alec Fraser (February 16, 1884 Cupar-June 20, 1956 London) was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1900s and became known for his performances on both stage and screen. In the 1920s, Fraser appeared in several films, including "The Eleventh Commandment" (1924) and "The White Sheik" (1928). He also acted in numerous plays, including productions of Shakespeare's plays and works by Noel Coward.
Fraser continued to work in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in such movies as "The Divorce of Lady X" (1938) and "I Know Where I'm Going!" (1945). He also made guest appearances on television programs in the 1950s.
In addition to his acting career, Fraser was also an accomplished musician and composer. He wrote several songs and musical compositions, some of which were used in his stage productions.
Fraser passed away in London in 1956 at the age of 72. His contributions to British cinema and theatre continue to be celebrated today.
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