English movie stars born in 1908
Here are 15 famous actors from England were born in 1908:
William Hartnell
William Hartnell (January 8, 1908 St Pancras, London-April 23, 1975 Marden) also known as William Henry Hartnell, Billy Hartnell, Bill Hartnell, Bill or Billy was an English actor. He had one child, Heather Anne Hartnell.
Hartnell is most remembered for his portrayal of the original Doctor in the BBC television series Doctor Who, from 1963 to 1966. His performance as the Doctor was highly praised, and he helped establish the character's distinct personality and mannerisms. Prior to his role in Doctor Who, Hartnell had a successful career on stage and screen, appearing in numerous films and television shows. He also had a reputation for playing authoritarian figures and was often cast as military officers or police sergeants. Hartnell retired from acting in 1972 due to failing health, and he passed away three years later from heart failure. His contribution to the long-running Doctor Who franchise is still celebrated by fans today.
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David Lean
David Lean (March 25, 1908 Croydon-April 16, 1991 Limehouse) also known as Sir David Lean or Sir David Lean, CBE was an English film director, film editor, screenwriter, film producer and actor. He had one child, Peter Lean.
Throughout his career, David Lean became known for directing several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including "The Bridge on the River Kwai," "Lawrence of Arabia," and "Doctor Zhivago." He began his film career as a film editor in the 1930s before transitioning to directing in the 1940s. In 1945, he directed his first feature film, "Brief Encounter," which was nominated for several Academy Awards.
Despite his success as a director, Lean was known to be meticulous and demanding on set, earning him the nickname "Sir David Mean." Nevertheless, actors and crew members respected him for his talent and dedication to his craft. He would go on to win several Academy Awards, including Best Director for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia."
After a hiatus from filmmaking, Lean returned in 1984 to direct his final film, "A Passage to India." He was knighted in 1984 for his contributions to the film industry and was also awarded the BAFTA Fellowship in 1989. David Lean's films continue to be celebrated as cinematic masterpieces and his legacy remains a significant influence on the film industry today.
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John Mills
John Mills (February 22, 1908 North Elmham-April 23, 2005 Denham) a.k.a. Lewis Ernest Watts Mills, Sir John Mills, Johnny, Johnny Mills or Sir John Mills CBE was an English actor. His children are called Hayley Mills, Juliet Mills and Jonathan Mills.
John Mills grew up in Suffolk and began acting in his teenage years. He made his stage debut at 16 and went on to have a successful stage career before breaking into film in the 1930s. He starred in many popular films throughout his career, including "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "Great Expectations," and "Ryan's Daughter," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Mills was a well-respected actor in the UK and was knighted in 1976 for his contributions to British theatre and film. In addition to his successful career, Mills was also a devoted family man and remained married to his wife Mary Hayley Bell, a playwright and novelist, until her death in 2005, just months before his own passing.
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Max Wall
Max Wall (March 12, 1908 Stockwell-May 21, 1990 Westminster Hospital) otherwise known as Maxwell George Lorimer was an English comedian and actor. His children are called Martin Lorimer, Maxine Lorimer, Michael Lorimer, Melvin Lorimer and Meredith Lorimer.
Wall began his career in entertainment as a professional wrestler, but later transitioned to comedy performances. He was recognized for his eccentric physical comedy, often performing with exaggerated facial expressions and poses. Wall's comedic talents ranged from music-hall performances and film appearances to television appearances and pantomimes. He was also known for his collaborations with other notable comedians, including Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers. Despite experiencing significant success throughout his career, Wall was known for his humility and genuine love for performing. He continued to perform well into his 70s, and remains a beloved figure in British entertainment history.
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Sidney Gilliat
Sidney Gilliat (February 15, 1908 Edgeley-May 31, 1994 Wiltshire) otherwise known as Sydney Gilliat, Sidney Gilliatt, S. Gilliat or Sidney Giliat was an English screenwriter, film director, film producer, writer and actor. His children are called Caroline Gilliat and Joanna Gilliat.
Gilliat started his career in the film industry as a writer for the film "The Lady Vanishes" which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. He then went on to form a successful partnership with fellow screenwriter and producer Frank Launder, with whom he co-wrote more than 40 films. Gilliat and Launder co-founded the production company, Individual Pictures, which became one of the most successful independent production companies in Britain, producing many classic films such as "The Happiest Days of Your Life", "Green for Danger" and "The Belles of St Trinian's".
As a director, Gilliat's credits include "State Secret" and "The Green Man". He also wrote a number of novels including "Sheep's Clothing" and "Death in Berlin".
Gilliat was a member of the British Army during World War II and was awarded an OBE for his services to the film industry in 1965.
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Brian Oulton
Brian Oulton (February 11, 1908 Liverpool-April 13, 1992 London) was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the 1930s and became a familiar face on both stage and screen. Oulton appeared in many British films and television shows, including "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". However, he is perhaps best known for his recurring role as the canny butler Hudson in the popular 1980s television series "Upstairs, Downstairs". Oulton was admired for his versatility as an actor and for his sharp comic timing. Despite his success, he remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his long and distinguished career.
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David Farrar
David Farrar (August 21, 1908 Forest Gate-August 31, 1995 KwaZulu-Natal) was an English actor. He had one child, Barbara Farrar.
David Farrar was best known for his roles in British films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Small Voice" (1948) and "Black Narcissus" (1947). He also appeared in Hollywood films such as "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (1958) and "The Prince and the Showgirl" (1957) with Marilyn Monroe. Farrar started his acting career on the stage in London's West End before transitioning to screen acting in the 1930s. In addition to his acting career, he was also a talented cricketer and played for several amateur teams. He retired from acting in the late 1960s and spent the rest of his years living in South Africa.
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Ernest Dudley
Ernest Dudley (July 23, 1908-February 1, 2006) was an English writer, novelist, journalist, screenwriter and actor.
Born in Lambeth, south London, Ernest Dudley began his career as a journalist before later turning to scriptwriting and fiction. He wrote for a variety of publications including the Daily Mail, Evening Standard, and Picture Post before becoming a successful screenwriter in the 1930s and 1940s. Dudley is perhaps best known for creating the radio series, "Dragnet", which aired in the UK as "Calling All Cars". He also acted in films and television shows throughout his career, and authored a number of books, including the popular Inspector Dover series. Despite his success as a writer, Dudley remained humble and down-to-earth throughout his life, and was admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
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Rodney Ackland
Rodney Ackland (May 18, 1908 Westcliff-on-Sea-December 6, 1991 Richmond, London) also known as Norman Ackland Bernstein was an English playwright, screenwriter, film director and actor.
He began his career as an actor, but soon shifted his focus towards writing and directing. Some of his notable works as a playwright include "After October", "The Pink Room", "The Old Ladies", and "The Dark River". He also wrote screenplays for films such as "The October Man" and "The Magic Box". Ackland was known for his portrayal of complex characters and his keen understanding of the human psyche. He was highly regarded in the theatre world and was actively involved in the production and direction of several plays. Ackland was awarded the CBE in 1979 in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
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Richard Caldicot
Richard Caldicot (October 7, 1908 London-October 16, 1995 London) also known as Richard Cuthbert G. Caldicot-Bull, Richard Caldicott or Richard Caldicot-Bull was an English actor.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his acting career in the 1930s. Caldicot appeared in numerous stage productions, radio programs, films and television series throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Colonel Charles Reynolds in the British sitcom "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" (1943), as well as his recurring role as George in the TV series "To the Manor Born" (1979-1981). Caldicot was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various animated films and TV shows such as "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (1979) and "The Wind in the Willows" (1984). Caldicot continued acting well into his later years, and his last appearance was in the 1993 film "Shadowlands".
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Terence De Marney
Terence De Marney (March 1, 1908 London-May 25, 1971 London) also known as Terence de Marney, Terrence De Marney, Terence DeMarney, Terrry DeMarney, Terence DeMarny or Terence de Marnie was an English actor, theatre director and screenwriter.
De Marney began his career on stage, appearing in productions such as "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" and "The Recruiting Officer". He made his film debut in the late 1920s, and went on to have a successful career in both British and Hollywood films. Some of his notable film credits include "The 39 Steps" (1935), "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), and "The Man in Grey" (1943).
In addition to his acting work, De Marney also worked as a theatre director and screenwriter. He directed productions of plays by George Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare, and wrote several screenplays, including the 1954 film "The Sea Shall Not Have Them".
De Marney was married twice, first to actress Violet Farebrother, and later to actress Adele Jergens. He passed away in 1971 at the age of 63.
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Quentin Crisp
Quentin Crisp (December 25, 1908 Sutton-November 21, 1999 Chorlton-cum-Hardy) also known as Denis Charles Pratt was an English writer, illustrator, actor, art model and raconteur.
He was known for his witty and flamboyant personality, and for being an icon of "difference" in the 20th century. Crisp was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK, and faced harassment and discrimination throughout his life. He rose to fame in the 1960s with his autobiographical book "The Naked Civil Servant", which was later adapted into a television film starring John Hurt. Crisp also appeared in several films, including "Orlando" and "Totally F***ed Up". He continued to perform on stage and write until his death in 1999 at the age of 90. Crisp's legacy has inspired many LGBTQ+ people and artists around the world to embrace their individuality and stand up against discrimination.
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John Robinson
John Robinson (November 11, 1908 Liverpool-March 6, 1979 London) a.k.a. John Robinson and The Rhythm Brothers was an English actor.
He is best known for his role as "Private Henry Hook" in the 1960 film "Zulu". Robinson began his career in the 1930s and appeared in a variety of British films and television shows throughout his career. In addition to his acting work, Robinson was a talented singer and regularly performed with his band, The Rhythm Brothers. He passed away in London at the age of 70.
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Nat Gonella
Nat Gonella (March 7, 1908 London-August 6, 1998 Gosport) otherwise known as Nat Gonella and His Trumpet, Gonella, Nat, Nat Gonella and his Georgians or Nathaniel Charles Gonella was an English singer, bandleader, trumpeter, author, military officer and actor.
Nat Gonella was known for being one of the pioneers of British jazz, and began his career playing with various jazz bands in London. He achieved international success as the lead trumpeter and vocalist for the band Ted Heath and his Music during the 1950s. Gonella also wrote an autobiography, called "I Play As I Please", which chronicled his life and career as a jazz musician.
Aside from his music career, Gonella served in the British military during World War II, leading his own dance band while stationed in India. He also appeared in several films, including the iconic British comedy "The Goon Show Movie" in 1951.
Gonella's contribution to British jazz is still celebrated today, and he is remembered as a key figure in the development of the genre in the UK. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1985 for his services to music, and was also inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993.
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Percy Edwards
Percy Edwards (June 1, 1908 Ipswich-June 7, 1996 Hintlesham) also known as Percy Edwards MBE was an English ornithologist, entertainer and actor.
He was most famous for his work as a bird impersonator, providing animal noises for hundreds of films, radio and television shows. Edwards' natural talent for imitating bird calls first earned him national recognition through BBC radio shows like "Nature Parliament" and "In Your Garden". He was even enlisted by the UK government during WWII to mimic birds as a form of military deception.
Despite his success as a naturalist, Edwards also had a notable acting career. He often played bit parts in films like "The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery" and "The Plank". He also made appearances on TV shows like "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers".
In 1985, Edwards was awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his services to ornithology and entertainment. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 88.
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