English movie stars born in 1920
Here are 20 famous actors from England were born in 1920:
Lewis Gilbert
Lewis Gilbert (March 6, 1920 Hackney Central-) a.k.a. Lewis Gilbert CBE is an English screenwriter, film director, film producer and actor. He has two children, Stephen Gilbert and John Gilbert.
Lewis Gilbert began his film career in the 1940s as a screenwriter for films such as "The Little Ballerina" and "The Shop at Sly Corner". He went on to direct several successful films in the 1950s, including "The Good Die Young" and "Reach for the Sky". His most well-known work includes directing three of the James Bond films: "You Only Live Twice", "The Spy Who Loved Me", and "Moonraker".
Gilbert received several awards and nominations for his work, including a BAFTA Award for Best British Film for "Alfie". He was also awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to the film industry.
In addition to his work in film, Gilbert was also a prolific stage director and producer. He received critical acclaim for his productions of "Wait Until Dark" and "Cinderella" in the West End.
Gilbert passed away on February 23, 2018 at the age of 97.
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Buster Merryfield
Buster Merryfield (November 27, 1920 Battersea-June 23, 1999 Poole) was an English actor and military officer. His child is called Karen Merryfield.
Merryfield is best known for his role as Uncle Albert Trotter in the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses. Prior to his successful acting career, he served in the British Army during World War II and received the Military Cross for his bravery in battle. After the war, he worked as an accountant before eventually pursuing a career in acting. In addition to Only Fools and Horses, Merryfield also appeared in other popular British television shows such as Minder and The Bill. He passed away at the age of 78 due to a brain hemorrhage.
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Jimmy Edwards
Jimmy Edwards (March 23, 1920 Barnes, London-July 7, 1988 London) a.k.a. James Keith O'Neill Edwards, Professor Jimmy Edwards or Professor was an English actor and screenwriter.
Edwards was known for his roles in popular British television shows and films, including the long-running sitcom "Whack-O!". He also appeared in several films, including "The Belles of St Trinian's" and "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines". Alongside his acting career, Edwards wrote scripts for a number of television series and plays. He was also a regular panelist on the BBC radio quiz show "Just a Minute" and appeared on many other radio shows. Edwards was a keen supporter of the charity Barnardo's and was involved in fundraising for the organization. He was awarded an OBE in 1966 for his services to entertainment.
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Michael Aldridge
Michael Aldridge (September 9, 1920 Glastonbury-January 10, 1994 Greenwich) also known as Michael William ffolliott Aldridge was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s, performing in theater productions and making his film debut in 1948's "The Guinea Pig." Throughout his career, Aldridge appeared in numerous films and television shows, such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "The Avengers," and "Gandhi." He was also a well-respected stage actor, often performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Aldridge was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a range of characters from comedic to dramatic roles. He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1991 for his contributions to the arts.
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Donald Hewlett
Donald Hewlett (August 30, 1920 Northenden-June 4, 2011 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital) was an English actor. He had one child, Siobhan Hewlett.
Donald Hewlett was born to a family of entertainers, and he was raised in Manchester, England. He began his acting career in the early 1940s and soon became a popular character actor on stage, television, and film. He is best known for his role as Mr. Grace in the BBC sitcom "Are You Being Served?" which aired from 1972 to 1985.
Hewlett also appeared in several films such as "The Fast Lady" (1962), "The Wrong Arm of the Law" (1963), and "Prick Up Your Ears" (1987). He was also a regular on several other television shows including "The Avengers," "Dixon of Dock Green," and "The Onedin Line."
Aside from his acting career, Hewlett was also an accomplished singer and performed in several musicals, including "The Boyfriend" and "No, No, Nanette." In 2009, he was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.
Donald Hewlett passed away in 2011 at the age of 90.
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Douglas Wilmer
Douglas Wilmer (January 8, 1920 London-) is an English actor and painter.
Wilmer began his acting career in theater and later moved to television and film. He is most known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC television series "Sherlock Holmes" in the 1960s. In addition to acting, Wilmer is also an accomplished painter, having studied at the Royal Academy of Arts. He has exhibited his works in galleries throughout the UK and has even had a painting displayed in the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. Wilmer continues to act and paint, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2016 for his contributions to the arts.
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George Rose
George Rose (February 19, 1920 Bicester-May 5, 1988 Sosúa) was an English actor and singer.
He began his career as a Shakespearean actor in the UK before moving to America where he became known for his roles in various Broadway productions, including "My Fair Lady" and "The Pirates of Penzance". Rose also appeared in several films, such as "A New Leaf" and "The Cheap Detective". In addition to acting, he was a talented singer and performed in numerous musicals throughout his career. In 1976, Rose won a Tony Award for his performance in the musical "Travesties". He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film "The Madness of King George". Rose passed away in 1988 while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.
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Michael Allinson
Michael Allinson (December 30, 1920 London-December 30, 2010 Aliso Viejo) was an English actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing in various theatrical productions and later transitioning to television and film. Some of his notable appearances include roles in the films "The Great Escape" and "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" and TV shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." Allinson was also a respected acting teacher, instructing at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. In addition to his successful acting and teaching career, Allinson was a skilled writer and wrote several books and screenplays. He passed away on his 90th birthday in 2010.
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Norman Bird
Norman Bird (October 30, 1920 Coalville-April 22, 2005 Wolverhampton) a.k.a. Norman A. Bird was an English actor. He had two children, Lucy Bird and Catherine Bird.
Norman Bird began his acting career on stage in the 1940s and later went on to work in film and television. Some of his notable film appearances include "The Trial of the Moke" (1978), "The Plague Dogs" (1982), and "Buddy's Song" (1991). In addition to that, he also appeared in a number of popular TV series, including "Doctor Who," "The Avengers," and "The Saint." He had a successful career in radio as well, and was a regular voice in the BBC Radio soap opera "The Archers." Norman Bird was also a talented musician who played the cornet in his free time.
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Ronald Magill
Ronald Magill (April 21, 1920 Kingston upon Hull-September 6, 2007 London) was an English actor.
Magill began his acting career in 1941 and went on to appear in over 50 films, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Battle of Britain." He was also a regular performer on British television, appearing in popular shows such as "Doctor Who" and "The Avengers." In addition to his acting work, Magill was a skilled screenwriter and playwright. He wrote several plays which were performed in London's West End, and he also penned episodes for popular TV shows such as "Z-Cars" and "The Saint." Despite his prolific career, Magill remained relatively unknown outside of the United Kingdom.
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Michael Evans
Michael Evans (July 27, 1920 Sittingbourne-September 4, 2007 Woodland Hills) also known as John Michael Evans or Mike Evans was an English actor. He had four children, Christopher Evans, Nick Evans, Rosemarie Evans and Bridget Evans.
Evans is best known for his role as Lionel Jefferson on the classic TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and its spin-off "The Jeffersons". He was one of the first black actors to have a recurring role on a television series. He was also a writer and producer, with credits including "Good Times" and "The Wayans Bros." In addition to his work in television, Evans appeared in several films, including "The War of the Roses" and "The Cotton Club". He passed away in 2007 at the age of 87.
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Peter Stephens
Peter Stephens (January 3, 1920 England-September 17, 1972 England) was an English actor and film director.
He began his acting career in the theatre in the 1940s before transitioning to film in the 1950s. Stephens appeared in several British films of the era, including "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Naked Edge". In the 1960s and 1970s, he turned his attention to directing and worked on a number of television shows and films, including "The Avengers" and "The Three Musketeers". He was also a successful stage director, with notable productions including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "A Man for All Seasons". Despite his success, Stephens struggled with alcoholism throughout his career and died at the age of 52 due to liver failure.
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David Oxley
David Oxley (November 7, 1920 Wellington-October 30, 1985 Málaga) was an English actor.
He began his career on stage in London's West End before transitioning to film and television in the 1950s. Oxley appeared in several notable productions throughout his career including the films "The Dam Busters" and "The Guns of Navarone". In addition to his work on screen, he continued to act on stage, appearing in productions of Shakespeare plays and other classics. Despite suffering a stroke in the early 1980s, Oxley continued to act until his death in 1985, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and talented performer.
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Eric Shilling
Eric Shilling (October 12, 1920 London-February 15, 2006 London) was an English opera singer, actor and theatrical producer. His child is called George Shilling.
Eric Shilling began his career as an opera singer before transitioning into acting and producing. He had a successful career on stage, screen, and radio, appearing in several productions including the TV series, "The Onedin Line" and the film, "The Ruling Class".
Shilling also worked as a producer for the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and other theater companies in the UK. He was known for his ability to bring together talented artists and produce high-quality shows.
Outside of his career, Shilling was passionate about cricket and enjoyed playing the sport in his spare time. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, a prestigious organization for magicians.
In addition to his son George Shilling, Eric Shilling is survived by his wife and daughter.
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Percy Herbert
Percy Herbert (July 31, 1920 London-December 6, 1992 Kent) was an English actor and soldier.
He served in the British Army during World War II before turning to acting in the 1950s. Herbert appeared in over 70 films and television shows throughout his career, including roles in blockbuster films such as Bridge on the River Kwai, The Guns of Navarone, and Superman. Herbert was a well-respected character actor because of his ability to portray a wide range of roles, from gritty soldiers to comedic characters. He was particularly known for his commanding presence on screen, which made him a popular choice for military roles. Despite his successful acting career, Herbert never forgot his military roots and often used his platform to raise awareness about veteran issues.
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David Waller
David Waller (November 27, 1920 Street-January 23, 1997 London) was an English actor.
He is best known for his stage work and for his appearances in British television and film productions. Waller began his career on stage in the 1940s and quickly gained popularity for his commanding presence and ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances. He went on to appear in a number of notable productions, including the West End productions of "The Mousetrap" and "The Deep Blue Sea."
In addition to his stage work, Waller also made a name for himself in film and television. He appeared in a number of British films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "The League of Gentlemen" and "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold." He also had a prolific television career, appearing in popular programs like "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who."
Throughout his long career, Waller was praised for his versatility and range as an actor. He had a commanding presence on stage and screen, and his ability to bring nuance and depth to his characters was widely admired. Waller died in London in 1997, leaving behind a rich legacy in British theater, film, and television.
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Cornel Lucas
Cornel Lucas (September 12, 1920 Highbury-November 8, 2012) also known as Henry Cornel Lucas was an English actor and photographer. His child is called Charlotte Lucas.
Lucas was best known for his work as a photographer, particularly for his portraits of Hollywood stars. He began his photography career in the 1940s, working as a stills photographer on film sets. He later became a portrait photographer, capturing iconic images of celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart. Lucas also served as the official photographer for the British Film Institute for many years. Despite his success as a photographer, Lucas continued to act throughout his career, appearing in numerous films and television shows. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 92.
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Hughie Green
Hughie Green (February 2, 1920 Marylebone-May 3, 1997 London) also known as Hughes Green, Hugh Green or Hugh Hughes Green was an English presenter, actor, game show host, pilot officer, pilot and film producer. He had four children, Paula Yates, Christopher Green, Linda Green and Barry Green.
Green rose to fame in the 1950s as the host of the popular British game show, "Double Your Money". He went on to host several other game shows, including "The Sky's the Limit" and "Opportunity Knocks". He also acted in a few films, such as "The Counterfeit Plan" and "It's a Grand Life".
During World War II, Green served as a pilot officer in the Royal Air Force, and later became a commercial pilot. He also produced several films, such as "The Idol" and "The Moon-Spinners".
In his personal life, Green was married four times and had several affairs. His daughter, Paula Yates, became a well-known TV presenter and was married to musician Bob Geldof. Green remained active in the entertainment industry until his death in 1997.
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Ted Lune
Ted Lune (August 1, 1920 Bolton-January 7, 1968 Selsey) also known as Harold Garnett was an English actor. His children are called Lynne Lune and Anne Lune.
Ted Lune began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing on stage and in British films. He was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a range of characters in dramas, comedies, and thrillers. Some of his notable film roles include "The Blue Lamp" (1950), "The Beggar's Opera" (1953), and "The Quiet Woman" (1951).
In addition to his acting career, Lune was also a talented musician, playing the banjo and ukulele. He often incorporated his musical skills into his performances, adding a unique charm to his roles.
Unfortunately, Lune's life was cut short by a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 47. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impression on British cinema and theatre, and is remembered as a talented and versatile performer.
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Peter Jones
Peter Jones (June 12, 1920 Wem-April 10, 2000 Westminster) also known as Peter Geoffrey F. Carey-Jones or Peter Geoffrey Francis Jones was an English actor, screenwriter, broadcaster and playwright. He had three children, Bill Dare, Selena Carey-Jones and Charles Daniel Jones.
Jones began his career as an actor, performing on stage and in film and television productions. He appeared in a number of popular British TV shows, including "Doctor Who" and "The Goodies," and also worked as a screenwriter, penning scripts for various television programs, such as "The Avengers."
In addition to his work as an actor and writer, Jones was a well-known broadcaster, hosting and appearing on various radio shows and documentaries, particularly those focused on science and technology. He was also a gifted playwright, with several of his plays produced in London's West End.
Jones was widely respected in the entertainment industry for his intelligence and wit, as well as his keen insight into human nature. His contributions to British culture and entertainment continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
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