Pathetic Facts

English movie stars died at 74

Here are 23 famous actors from England died at 74:

Michael Bentine

Michael Bentine (January 26, 1922 Watford-November 26, 1996 London) otherwise known as Michael James Bentin was an English presenter, comedian, actor and screenwriter.

He died as a result of prostate cancer.

Michael Bentine was one of the founding members of the popular British sketch comedy group, The Goons, which gained a wide and loyal following on BBC Radio in the 1950s. He went on to host and star in several television programs, including the children's program Michael Bentine's Potty Time and the surreal comedy series It's a Square World. Bentine was also a talented artist and cartoonist, and his drawings and paintings were exhibited in galleries throughout Europe. In addition to his entertainment career, Bentine was a military veteran, having served in World War II as a member of the Royal Air Force. He later wrote about his wartime experiences in his autobiography, The Long Banana Skin. Throughout his life, Bentine remained a beloved and influential figure in British comedy, and his innovative and irreverent style helped pave the way for generations of comedians to come.

Read more about Michael Bentine on Wikipedia »

John Fortune

John Fortune (June 30, 1939 Bristol-December 31, 2013) also known as John Wood, Fortune, John or John C. Wood was an English comedian, actor, screenwriter and satirist.

He died as a result of leukemia.

Fortune was best known for his work with fellow comedian and satirist John Bird, with whom he formed a comedic duo in the 1960s. The two gained prominence in the 1990s with their satirical television program "The Rory Bremner Show". Fortune also appeared on numerous other TV shows, both as a comedian and an actor, including "The Two Ronnies", "Absolutely Fabulous", and "Victoria Wood As Seen On TV". In addition to his work on television, Fortune also wrote for newspapers and magazines, including The Independent and Private Eye. His insightful political satire and incisive wit have earned him a place among the great satirists of the modern era.

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Charles James Mathews

Charles James Mathews (December 26, 1803 Liverpool-June 24, 1878) was an English actor.

He was the son of a comic actor and made his debut on stage in 1821. Mathews was known for his impersonations of famous people, such as King Louis Philippe, Napoleon Bonaparte, and William Shakespeare. He also performed in numerous comedic roles, gaining popularity for his wit and humor. Mathews toured extensively throughout England and even performed in the United States. In addition to his acting career, he was also a playwright and wrote several successful plays. Mathews retired from the stage in 1865 and passed away in 1878.

Read more about Charles James Mathews on Wikipedia »

Sydney Greenstreet

Sydney Greenstreet (December 27, 1879 Sandwich-January 18, 1954 Hollywood) a.k.a. Sydney Hughes Greenstreet was an English actor. He had one child, John Ogden Greenstreet.

He died in diabetes mellitus.

Sydney Greenstreet was best known for his character roles in Hollywood films during the 1940s, particularly in films like "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca". Before his film career, he was a successful stage actor in England. He lived in London for most of his life until he moved permanently to Hollywood in the 1940s. Despite his large size and imposing appearance, he was known to be a gentle and kind person off-screen.

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Stan Laurel

Stan Laurel (June 16, 1890 Ulverston-February 23, 1965 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Arthur Stanley Jefferson, Laurel, Stan, Stan Jefferson, Laurel & Hardy, Mr. Laurel, Laurel, Stanley Laurel or Arthur Stanley "Stan" Jefferson was an English comedian, film director, actor, screenwriter, entertainer, voice actor and film producer. He had two children, Stanley Robert Laurel and Lois Laurel.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Laurel's career spanned over three decades and he made over 190 films. He is best known for his work in the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, alongside Oliver Hardy. The duo became a popular act in the 1920s and 1930s, appearing in several successful films, including Sons of the Desert, Way Out West, and Babes in Toyland.

Before his work with Laurel and Hardy, Laurel had a successful career in vaudeville and silent films. He worked with several famous comedians, including Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd.

Laurel was known for his unique style of physical comedy, often using his gangly frame and expressive face to create laughs. He was also a skilled writer and director, contributing to many of the Laurel and Hardy films.

Despite his success, Laurel remained a modest and humble man who was beloved by his fans and colleagues. He is remembered as one of the greatest comedians of all time and his work continues to be celebrated today.

Read more about Stan Laurel on Wikipedia »

Michael Bryant

Michael Bryant (April 5, 1928 London-April 25, 2002 Richmond, London) a.k.a. Michael Dennis Bryant or Michael Dennis Bryant, CBE was an English actor.

He died caused by cancer.

Michael Bryant was best known for his work in theatre and was considered one of the greatest stage actors of his generation in the UK. He appeared in numerous productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company and was particularly known for his performances in Shakespearean plays such as Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear.

Bryant also made a notable impact on British television, having acted in several popular British TV series throughout his career including "Doctor Who," "The Avengers," and "Morse." His film credits include appearances in "Nicholas and Alexandra" and "Three Sisters."

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Bryant was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1988.

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Stan Richards

Stan Richards (December 8, 1930 Barnsley-February 11, 2005 Barnsley) was an English actor.

He died caused by emphysema.

Stan Richards had a successful career in the entertainment industry that spanned over five decades. He was best known for his role as Seth Armstrong in the popular British soap opera, Emmerdale, which he played for over 20 years. Prior to his acting career, Richards was a successful singer and guitarist, performing in various clubs and venues across the UK. He also appeared in several other TV shows including, Coronation Street, Heartbeat, and The Bill. Outside of acting, Richards was a keen gardener and loved spending time tending to his plants in his home in Barnsley. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the acting world and his memorable performances that have touched the hearts of many.

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Stringer Davis

Stringer Davis (June 4, 1899 Birkenhead-August 29, 1973 Chalfont St Giles) also known as James Buckley Stringer Davis, J.B. Stringer Davis or Stringer Davies was an English actor. His child is Dawn Langley Simmons.

Stringer Davis was best known for his role as the faithful butler, Mr. James Bentley, in the popular Agatha Christie films featuring Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple. He appeared in a total of 14 films with Rutherford, including "Murder She Said" and "Murder at the Gallop". Davis also had a long and successful career on stage and in television, including appearances on "The Avengers" and "Z-Cars". He was married to actress and author Joan Hickson, who later went on to play Miss Marple in the 1980s television adaptation of the novels. Davis passed away in 1973 at the age of 74.

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William Pleater Davidge

William Pleater Davidge (April 17, 1814 London-August 7, 1888 Cheyenne) was an English comedian and actor.

He began performing at the age of 17 in provincial theaters in England before eventually making his debut in London's West End. Davidge is best known for his comedic skills and his ability to mimic various dialects and accents. He toured extensively throughout the United States, performing in many popular plays and operettas of the time. In 1853, he settled in America and became a regular performer at the Broadway Theatre in New York City. Later in his career, Davidge founded his own theater company and was known for his efforts to promote and support young actors. Davidge's lasting contributions to the world of theater earned him a place in the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

Ernest Cossart

Ernest Cossart (September 24, 1876 Cheltenham-January 21, 1951 New York City) also known as Emil von Holst, Emil Godfrey Adolf Von Holst or Emil Gottfried von Holst was an English actor. His child is Valerie Cossart.

Cossart began his acting career in London's West End theatres and later appeared in several popular plays on Broadway. He is best known for his role as Mr. Bennet in the 1940 film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," which starred Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. Cossart also had notable roles in films such as "Gone with the Wind" (1939) and "The Philadelphia Story" (1940). In addition to his work on stage and screen, Cossart was known for his charity work and was a supporter of the British War Relief Society during World War II.

Read more about Ernest Cossart on Wikipedia »

Lester Matthews

Lester Matthews (June 6, 1900 Nottingham-June 5, 1975 Los Angeles) also known as Les Mathews or Lester Mathews was an English actor.

Matthews began his acting career on stage in England before moving to Hollywood in the late 1920s to pursue a career in film. He appeared in over 120 films during his career, often playing suave and sophisticated characters. Some of his notable films include "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), "The Raven" (1935), and "Werewolf of London" (1935). In addition to his film work, Matthews also worked in television in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in shows like "Perry Mason" and "The Twilight Zone." Matthews was married twice, first to actress Elsa Lanchester from 1929 to 1931 and then to actress Ruth Renick from 1943 until his death in 1975.

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Anthony Nicholls

Anthony Nicholls (October 16, 1902 Windsor-February 22, 1977 London) also known as Sydney Horace Nicholls was an English actor. His children are called Kate Nicholls and Phoebe Nicholls.

Anthony Nicholls began his acting career on stage in the 1920s and went on to become a prolific actor in both film and television. He appeared in over 100 film and television productions throughout his career, including the films "The Battle of the River Plate," "The Trials of Oscar Wilde," and "The Omen." He was also known for his roles in the television series "The Avengers" and "The Saint."

In addition to his work in film and television, Nicholls was an accomplished stage actor, appearing in productions of Shakespeare's plays as well as other classics. He was a member of the Old Vic Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Nicholls was married twice, first to British actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies and later to British actress Faith Kent. He passed away in London in 1977 at the age of 74.

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Holmes Herbert

Holmes Herbert (July 30, 1882 Mansfield-December 26, 1956 Hollywood) also known as Holmes Edward Herbert, Horace Edward Jenner, Horace Jenner, Holmes E. Herbert, H.E. Herbert or Edward Sanger was an English actor. He had one child, Joan Herbert.

Herbert began his career as a stage actor in London before making his way to America in 1912. He quickly established himself as a character actor in Hollywood, appearing in over 200 films between 1915 and 1952. Some of his notable roles include Mr. Faversham in "The Four Feathers" (1929), Dr. John H. Watson in "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" (1929), and Admiral Sir John Fielding in "Captain Blood" (1935). Herbert was also a member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, a conservative organization founded in 1944. Outside of his career in acting, he was also known for his passion for gardening and authored a book on the subject, "Gardens of Character."

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Eric Richard

Eric Richard (June 27, 1940 Margate-April 5, 2015) was an English actor.

He was best known for playing Bob Cryer in the long-running British TV series "The Bill", a role he played from the show's inception in 1984 until 2001. Prior to his acting career, Richard served in the British Army and later worked as a teacher before transitioning to theater and television acting. Over the course of his career, he appeared in numerous other television shows and films, including "Doctor Who", "Casualty", and "EastEnders". Richard was also a talented musician and played the trumpet in several jazz bands throughout his life.

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Ray Lonnen

Ray Lonnen (May 18, 1940 Bournemouth-July 11, 2014 London) a.k.a. Ronald Baker was an English actor.

He died as a result of cancer.

Ray Lonnen began his acting career in the 1960s and made appearances in a number of popular British TV shows, including "The Sweeney," "Z-Cars," and "The Bill." He also appeared in several films, including the 1971 war drama "Zeppelin" and the 1988 crime thriller "Smokescreen." However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Sergeant Alec Peters in the long-running British TV series "Widows." He was married to actress Tara Ward and had two children. In addition to his acting career, Lonnen also worked as a director, writer, and producer.

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Mantovani

Mantovani (November 15, 1905 Venice-March 29, 1980 Royal Tunbridge Wells) also known as Annunzio Paolo Mantovani, Mantovani and his Tipica Orchestra, Mantovani mit seinem Charmaine-Orchester, Annunzio Mantovani or Monty was an English bandleader, composer, conductor, violinist, actor, film score composer and music director. He had two children, Kenneth Mantovani and Paula Irene Mantovani.

Mantovani became one of the most successful orchestra leaders of his time, specializing in light orchestral music with lush string arrangements. He recorded over 50 albums and sold over 60 million records throughout his career. Mantovani's signature "cascading strings" style of music became popular not only in the UK, but also in the United States and around the world.

Aside from his music career, Mantovani was also an accomplished actor and film composer. He composed the score for several films in the 1940s and 1950s, as well as appearing in a number of films and television shows himself. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, he remained a private and somewhat elusive figure throughout his life.

After his death in 1980, Mantovani's music continued to be popular, and his recordings have been reissued and remastered many times over the years. He is remembered as one of the most distinctive and influential bandleaders of the 20th century.

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David Hillman

David Hillman (November 21, 1934 London-August 8, 2009 London) was an English actor.

He is best known for his role as Dr. Gordon Lowther in the popular British TV series, "Holby City". Hillman's acting career spanned over five decades and he appeared in numerous other TV series, films, and stage productions. He began his career in the 1950s with roles in BBC dramas and later went on to appear in shows such as "The Bill", "Doctors", and "The Sweeney". In addition to his screen work, Hillman was an accomplished theatre actor, performing in productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and London's West End. In his later years, Hillman became a mentor for aspiring actors and a respected teacher at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. He passed away in 2009 from complications of a stroke.

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Houseley Stevenson

Houseley Stevenson (July 30, 1879 London-August 6, 1953 Duarte) also known as Housely Stevenson, Housley Stevenson Sr., Housley Stevens Sr., Houseley Stevenson Sr., Housely Stevenson Sr., Housely Stevens or Housley Stevenson was an English actor. His children are called Onslow Stevens, Houseley Stevenson Jr. and Edward Stevenson.

Stevenson began his acting career in London's West End before moving to the United States in the early 1900s. He appeared in over 150 films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Letter" (1940), "Algiers" (1938) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1931). In addition to his acting work, Stevenson also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild in the 1940s. He passed away in 1953 and is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

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Cyril Raymond

Cyril Raymond (February 13, 1899 Rowley Regis-March 20, 1973 Ripe) also known as Cyril William North Raymond was an English actor. His child is John North Blagrave Raymond.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Cyril Raymond began his acting career in the early 1920s and appeared in over 70 films and television shows throughout his career. He is best known for his roles in films like "The Blue Lamp" (1950), "The African Queen" (1951), and "Reach for the Sky" (1956).

In addition to his on-screen work, Raymond was also a respected stage actor and appeared in numerous plays in London's West End, including the original production of Noël Coward's "Private Lives" in 1930.

Raymond was married to the actress Valerie Hobson from 1939 until 1952, and the couple had one child together, John North Blagrave Raymond.

Throughout his career, Cyril Raymond was known for his suave demeanor and distinctive voice, which led to him becoming a popular choice for voice-over work in commercials and documentaries.

Raymond died in Ripe, East Sussex, England, in 1973, at the age of 74, due to a myocardial infarction.

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Ernie Lotinga

Ernie Lotinga (December 7, 1876 Sunderland-October 28, 1951 London) otherwise known as Ernest Lotinga or Dan Roy was an English actor, screenwriter and comedian.

Ernie Lotinga was best known for his work in comedy and was regarded as one of the pioneers of the music hall tradition. He gained fame for his performances in the North of England before moving to London in the early 1900s. Lotinga also wrote and produced his own shows, which were very popular with audiences.

In addition to his work in theater, Lotinga also had a successful career in film. He appeared in many silent films and continued to act in movies after the introduction of sound. Some of his best-known roles include his appearances in the films Bulldog Jack (1935) and The Luck of the Navy (1938).

During his career, Lotinga appeared in over 50 films and was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the industry. He was also known for his charitable work, including his support of the British Red Cross during the Second World War.

Ernie Lotinga passed away on October 28, 1951 in London, England at the age of 74. Today, he is remembered as a talented actor and comedian who left a lasting impact on British entertainment.

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Aubrey Mallalieu

Aubrey Mallalieu (June 8, 1873 Liverpool-May 28, 1948) was an English actor.

He began his career on stage and later transitioned to film, appearing in over 60 movies throughout his career. Mallalieu was known for his distinctive voice, acting versatility, and his ability to play a wide range of characters. He often appeared in supporting roles, but his performances were always memorable. In addition to his work in film and theatre, Mallalieu also served in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in the field. Despite his success and popularity as an actor, he remained devoted to his family life and often cited them as his greatest source of happiness.

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Norman Forbes-Robertson

Norman Forbes-Robertson (September 24, 1858 London-September 25, 1932 London) also known as Norman Forbes was an English actor. His child is Frank Forbes-Robinson.

Norman Forbes-Robertson was born into a family of actors and was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He made his professional stage debut in 1879 and went on to establish himself as one of the leading actors of his time, known for his powerful interpretations of Shakespearean roles. He played Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, and other iconic characters throughout his career.

Forbes-Robertson also appeared in several silent films, including the 1912 adaptation of "Hamlet." He continued to act on stage until his death at the age of 74. In addition to his son Frank, he had two other children, Jean and Norman Jr., who also became actors.

Ewan MacColl

Ewan MacColl (January 25, 1915 Broughton, Salford-October 22, 1989 Brompton, London) also known as Ewan McColl, MacColl, Ewan or James Henry Miller was an English singer, playwright, actor, songwriter, poet, record producer, film score composer and screenwriter. He had five children, Kirsty MacColl, Hamish MacColl, Neill MacColl, Calumn MacColl and Kitty MacColl.

He died caused by complication.

from surgery after falling ill during a tour in Russia.

MacColl's career spanned over five decades and he is best known for his contributions to the British folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s. He wrote several folk songs which became anthems for political and social movements at that time including "Dirty Old Town" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". Additionally, he co-founded the influential Theatre Workshop and was closely associated with Left-wing politics.

MacColl also acted in theatre and film throughout his career. He appeared in over 60 films, including a starring role in the 1959 film "The Young Ones". In his later life, he wrote several plays and radio dramas, including "The Shuttle and the Cage" and "The Big Hewer".

Throughout his life, MacColl was a passionate activist for various causes including anti-fascism, anti-racism and worker's rights. He was also an advocate for Scottish nationalism and fought for the recognition and promotion of Scottish folk music.

MacColl's legacy continues to influence musicians and artists today, particularly within the folk music scene.

Read more about Ewan MacColl on Wikipedia »