British actors died in 1959
Here are 17 famous actors from United Kingdom died in 1959:
Victor McLaglen
Victor McLaglen (December 10, 1886 Royal Tunbridge Wells-November 7, 1959 Newport Beach) also known as Victor Everleigh McLaglen, Victor Andrew de Bier Everleigh McLaglen, Victor McLaglen-Academy Award Winner, Medals, Sharkey McLaglen, Victor McLagen or Paul Romano was a British professional boxer and actor. His children are called Andrew V. McLaglen and Sheila McLaglen.
McLaglen is best known for his roles in classic films such as "The Informer" (1935) and "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" (1949). He also appeared in multiple John Ford films, including "Rio Grande" (1950) and "The Quiet Man" (1952). In addition to his successful acting career, McLaglen served in World War I and was awarded the Military Medal and the French Croix de Guerre for his service. He also served in World War II as a Royal Air Force officer. McLaglen passed away at the age of 72 due to a heart attack.
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Billy Mayerl
Billy Mayerl (May 31, 1902 England-March 25, 1959) also known as Mayerl, Billy or Billy Joseph Mayerl was a British pianist, composer and actor.
He began playing piano at a young age and went on to become one of the leading lights of British light music in the 1920s and 1930s. Known for his syncopated piano style and catchy tunes, Mayerl was a prolific composer and arranger, and his music was featured in numerous films, radio programs, and stage productions. In addition to his musical career, Mayerl also appeared in a number of films during the 1930s, often playing himself or performing his own compositions on screen. Despite suffering a stroke in the mid-1940s that left him partially paralyzed, Mayerl continued to compose and perform until his death in 1959. Today, he is remembered as one of the pioneers of British popular music, and his compositions remain popular with musicians and audiences alike.
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Edmund Gwenn
Edmund Gwenn (September 26, 1877 Wandsworth-September 6, 1959 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Edmund Kellaway, Teddy or Edmund John Kellaway was a British actor.
He began his career in England as a stage actor before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Gwenn is perhaps best known for his role as Kris Kringle in the classic holiday film "Miracle on 34th Street", for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in a number of other popular films, including "Lassie Come Home", "The Trouble with Harry", and "Them!". Additionally, Gwenn had a successful career on the stage and performed in numerous Broadway productions throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Gwenn died in 1959 at the age of 81.
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Hal Osmond
Hal Osmond (November 27, 2014 London-December 1, 1959 Taunton) also known as Hal Osmonde was a British actor and character actor.
Osmond was known for his versatile roles in British films and television shows during the 1940s and 1950s. He started as a stage actor in the late 1920s and 1930s, performing in various productions in London's West End. Osmond made his film debut in 1940 in the movie "Convoy" and went on to act in over 50 films throughout his career, including "The Lavender Hill Mob," "The Wooden Horse," and "The Sound Barrier." His television credits include appearances on popular shows such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint." In addition to his acting career, Osmond was also a talented writer and poet. He published several books throughout his life, including a collection of his own poetry titled "A Silver Voice." Osmond died in 1959 at the age of 44, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most respected character actors.
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Charlie Hall
Charlie Hall (August 19, 1899 Birmingham-December 7, 1959 North Hollywood) a.k.a. Charles Hall, The Little Nemesis, Charles Hill or Charley Hall was a British actor.
He is best known for his work in the slapstick film genre, and for his collaborations with comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy, and The Three Stooges. Hall began working in show business in the 1920s, and after a brief stint in England, he moved to the United States to further his career. He quickly found success in Hollywood, appearing in over 200 films throughout his career, usually in comedic roles. Despite his diminutive stature, Hall was a versatile performer, equally adept at physical comedy and delivering witty one-liners. He continued working in film right up until his untimely death from a heart attack at the age of 60. Today, he is remembered as one of the great supporting players of the early Hollywood era.
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Barry Livesey
Barry Livesey (November 27, 2014 Barry, Vale of Glamorgan-November 27, 2014 Maidstone) also known as Barrie Livesay, Barrie Livesey, Barry Edwards Livesey or Barrie Edwards Livesey was a British actor.
Born in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales in 1943, Barry Livesey was a talented actor who appeared on stage, on television, and in films during his career. As a young man, he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his craft and developed his talent. He made his stage debut in 1966 in the West End production of "Eh?" by Henry Livings.
Livesey went on to have a successful career in both television and film, appearing in popular shows such as "The Bill", "Doctors", "Holby City", and "Casualty". He also appeared in several films, including "Bhaji on the Beach" and "Twenty Four Seven". His last on-screen appearance was in the 2010 film "Apocalypse".
Aside from his acting career, Livesey was also involved in social justice and political activism. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party and participated in several protests and demonstrations during his lifetime.
Barry Livesey passed away on November 27, 2014 in Maidstone, England at the age of 71. He is remembered as a talented actor and dedicated activist who made a significant contribution to the arts and culture of the United Kingdom.
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Sonnie Hale
Sonnie Hale (May 1, 1902 London-June 9, 1959 London) a.k.a. Robert Monro or John Robert Hale-Monro was a British screenwriter, actor and film director. He had one child, Catherine Hale-Monro.
Hale's career began in the 1920s as a stage actor, before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He appeared in several successful British films, such as "The Ghost Train" (1931) and "First a Girl" (1935). In addition to his acting career, he also wrote and directed films, including "Evergreen" (1934) and "The Phantom Strikes" (1938).
During World War II, Hale served as a captain in the British Army's Royal Artillery, but after the war, he returned to his work in the film industry. He continued to act, write, and direct films throughout the 1950s, with notable works including "Those People Next Door" (1953) and "Three Men in a Boat" (1956).
Hale was married twice, first to actress Jessie Matthews and later to actress Evelyn Laye. He died in London in 1959 at the age of 57.
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Joss Ambler
Joss Ambler (June 23, 1900 Melbourne-November 27, 2014 Kensington) was a British actor.
Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1900, Joss Ambler moved to England in 1929 to pursue a career in acting. He made his stage debut in 1931 and went on to act in a number of notable productions throughout his career, including "Richard III" and "Macbeth" with Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company.
Ambler also appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout his long career, including "The Fall of the Roman Empire" and "The Spy Who Loved Me". Despite being in his 80s and 90s, Ambler continued to work in the entertainment industry, with his final screen appearance being in the TV series "Casualty" in 2011.
Ambler passed away on November 27, 2014 at the age of 114, making him one of the oldest people in the world at the time of his death.
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Eric Blore
Eric Blore (December 23, 1887 Finchley-March 2, 1959 Hollywood) was a British actor, voice actor and insurance broker. He had one child, Eric Blore, Jr..
Blore started his acting career in the early 1920s in London before moving to New York to perform in Broadway productions. He became a renowned character actor in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in over 80 films alongside some of the biggest stars of the era, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Katharine Hepburn.
Blore was often cast as the witty and sarcastic supporting character, known for his impeccable comedic timing and distinctive voice. He was also a prolific voice actor and provided voices for many cartoons, including The Adventures of Pinocchio and the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland.
In addition to his successful acting career, Blore was a talented insurance broker and worked as a representative for Lloyd's of London. He was known for his distinctive bowler hat and impeccable manners, which were characteristic of his British upbringing.
Blore died of a heart attack in 1959 and was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
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Philip Tonge
Philip Tonge (April 26, 1897 Hampstead-January 28, 1959 Hollywood) also known as Philip Ashetin Tonge, Philip Asheton Tonge or Phillip Tonge was a British actor.
He was born in Hampstead, London, England and began his acting career in British film and theater in the 1920s. In the 1940s, he moved to Hollywood and became a reliable character actor, appearing in over 50 films and numerous television shows. Some of his notable film roles include "The Bishop's Wife," "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," and "Witness for the Prosecution." He was also a prolific television actor, appearing on shows such as "The Lone Ranger," "The Adventures of Superman," and "Perry Mason." In addition to his acting career, Tonge was also a respected drama teacher and director. He passed away in Hollywood in 1959 at the age of 61.
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Arthur Young
Arthur Young (September 2, 1898 Bristol-February 24, 1959 London) was a British actor.
Young began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1920s. He appeared in a number of films, including "Rome Express" (1932) and "Jamaica Inn" (1939), both directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Young was also known for his role as Bulldog Drummond in the 1937 film "Bulldog Drummond Escapes". In addition to his acting work, he was an accomplished writer, penning several books including his autobiography "On the Fields of Glory" (1949) and "The Misty Way" (1951).
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D. A. Clarke-Smith
D. A. Clarke-Smith (August 2, 1888 Montrose-March 12, 1959 Withyham) a.k.a. D.A. Clarke-Smith, D.E. Clarke-Smith, Douglas Clark-Smith, D.A.Clarke Smith, Dick Clarke-Smith, Douglas Clarke-Smith, D.A. Clarke - Smith or Douglas A. Clarke-Smith was a British actor.
He was born on August 2, 1888 in Montrose, Scotland. Clarke-Smith began his acting career in the early 1900s and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from villains to comedic sidekicks. In addition to his work in film, Clarke-Smith also appeared in numerous stage productions in the UK and in the United States. Some of his prominent film roles include "The Long Arm", "The Citadel", and "Dick Turpin's Ride". Clarke-Smith passed away on March 12, 1959 in Withyham, England at the age of 70.
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Lupino Lane
Lupino Lane (June 16, 1892 London Borough of Hackney-November 10, 1959 London) otherwise known as Lane, Lupino, Henry William George Lupino, Henry W. George, Henry George Lupino or Little Nipper was a British comedian, actor and film director. He had one child, Lauri Lupino Lane.
Lupino Lane came from a family of performers, including his father George, an actor and comedian, and his uncle, Harry Lupino, a famous theatrical producer. Lane began his career on stage as a child, performing in vaudeville shows and pantomimes. Later, he transitioned to film, acting in silent comedies for studios such as Keystone and First National.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Lane also directed several films, including "The Love Parade" (1929) and "The Big Broadcast" (1932). He was known for his acrobatic and physical comedy, often performing stunts and pratfalls onscreen.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Lane's personal life was marked by tragedy. His first wife, Peggy Cartwright, died in a car accident in 1926, and his second wife, Florence Desmond, also died in a car crash in 1944. Lane himself struggled with health issues later in life and passed away in London in 1959 at the age of 67.
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Ben Williams
Ben Williams (November 27, 1892 Glamorgan-December 1, 1959 Chelsea) also known as Benjamin Percy Williams was a British actor. His children are called Philip Trigwell and Betty Hopkins.
Williams began his acting career on stage, performing in various productions before transitioning to the big screen. He was known for his work in classic British films such as "The Private Life of Henry VIII" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips". Despite his success as an actor, Williams was also passionate about sports and was a talented footballer. In fact, he played for the Welsh national football team in the 1920s. In addition to acting and football, Williams was also a member of the Royal Society of Musicians and played the piano. His legacy in the entertainment industry continues to be celebrated today.
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Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn (June 20, 1909 Hobart-October 14, 1959 Vancouver) a.k.a. Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn, Leslie Flynn, The Tasmanian Devil, Flynny, Rolly, Satan's Angel or The Baron was a British actor, film producer, screenwriter and writer. He had four children, Sean Flynn, Rory Flynn, Deirdre Flynn and Arnella Roma Flynn.
Flynn became widely known for his roles in adventure films and swashbucklers, particularly for his portrayal of Robin Hood in the 1938 film "The Adventures of Robin Hood". He also starred in other notable films such as "Captain Blood", "The Sea Hawk", and "Objective, Burma!".
Aside from acting, Flynn was known for his adventurous lifestyle and varied interests. He was a skilled boxer, a keen sailor and owned a yacht which he named Sirocco. He was also an accomplished journalist and wrote articles for various publications.
In his personal life, Flynn had a reputation as a womanizer and was involved in numerous scandals throughout his career. He was also known for his heavy drinking and drug use, which had a negative impact on his health and contributed to his early death at the age of 50. Despite his personal struggles, Flynn remains a beloved and iconic figure in Hollywood history.
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Allan Aynesworth
Allan Aynesworth (April 14, 1864 Sandhurst, Berkshire-August 22, 1959 Surrey) also known as Alan Aynesworth, Allan Aynesworth, E. Abbot-Anderson, Edward Abbot-Anderson or Allen Aynesworth was a British actor.
He began his career with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, performing in Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Aynesworth then went on to act in numerous plays in London's West End and had a successful career on Broadway in New York. He also appeared in several silent films during the 1910s. Aynesworth was known for his comedic roles and his impeccable timing, making him a sought-after actor in his time. In addition to his acting career, Aynesworth was also an accomplished writer, penning a number of novels and plays. He continued to act onstage and onscreen well into his seventies, leaving behind a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.
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Sydney Granville
Sydney Granville (November 27, 1880 Lancashire-December 27, 1959 Stockport) a.k.a. Walter Dewhurst was a British singer and actor.
Granville began his career as a singer and performed in various operas and musicals. He made his first appearance on the West End stage in 1905 in the musical "The Earl and the Girl". In 1913, he made his transition to acting and appeared in his first film "Quo Vadis". Granville became a prominent character actor and appeared in over 80 films throughout his career, including "The Thief of Bagdad" and "Jamaica Inn". He also appeared on stage in various productions such as "The Farmers Wife" and "The Constant Nymph". Granville was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles.
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