English movie stars born in 1901
Here are 5 famous actresses from England were born in 1901:
Mabel Poulton
Mabel Poulton (July 29, 1901 London-December 21, 1994 London) was an English actor.
She began her career in silent films and transitioned smoothly into talkies. Poulton rose to prominence during the 1920s and 1930s, appearing in several popular films. She was known for her performances in movies such as "Trouble in Paradise" (1932), "The Wife's Family" (1931), and "The Bewitched Ballon" (1935). During her career, she worked with several notable directors, including Alfred Hitchcock and Maurice Elvey. Despite being a popular actor, Poulton retired from acting in 1937 at the age of just 36. In her retirement, she lived a quiet life in London until her death in 1994 at the age of 93.
Mabel Poulton made her stage debut in 1914, at the age of 13, and later made her way to the silver screen in the 1920s. She was a talented actress who effortlessly portrayed a range of roles, from romantic comedies to drama. Her delicate features and wavy blonde hair made her one of the most recognizable faces in British cinema during the interwar period. Poulton was also noted for her impeccable diction and ability to convey emotions with subtle gestures, which made her stand out from many of her contemporaries. In 1929, she married the actor Lauri de Frece, and the couple appeared in many films together. However, de Frece died in 1936, which may have been a contributing factor to Poulton's early retirement from acting the following year. Despite her relatively short career, Mabel Poulton remains a beloved figure in British cinema history.
Mabel Poulton's talent as an actress was recognized not only in her home country but also in the United States. She received glowing reviews from American film critics during her brief career, with the New York Times praising her performance in the film "The Physician" (1932) as "enchanting". Poulton's decision to retire from acting was a surprise to many, as she was at the height of her popularity in the mid-1930s. However, she was said to have become disillusioned with the film industry and its demands on her personal life. After her retirement, she largely stayed out of the public eye, only occasionally granting interviews. In her later years, Poulton became involved in charitable work and was known for her kindness and good humor. She died at the age of 93 and was survived by her daughter from her marriage to Lauri de Frece.
Irene Handl
Irene Handl (December 27, 1901 Maida Vale-November 29, 1987 Kensington) was an English actor and writer.
Handl began her acting career in the 1920s and was a well-known character actress by the 1950s. She appeared in dozens of films and television shows throughout her career, including popular British comedies such as "The Belles of St. Trinian's" and "Carry On Nurse". Handl was also a writer and published several books, including a collection of humorous stories titled "The Price of Folly" and an autobiography called "Filming with the British". She was known for her no-nonsense attitude and her dedication to her craft, and continued to act well into her 80s.
Handl was born in London to a middle-class Jewish family. She had a passion for acting from a young age and pursued it despite her parents' disapproval. In the early years of her career, Handl worked as a chorus girl and appeared in various touring productions. However, it was her work in the West End that earned her critical acclaim and established her as a renowned actor.
In addition to her acting and writing career, Handl was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a patron of several charities and regularly supported causes related to animal welfare and the arts. Handl was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1974 for her services to drama and charity.
Handl remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 1987 at the age of 85. Her legacy as a talented actor and writer continues to inspire generations of performers in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Throughout her career, Irene Handl was known for her versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between dramatic and comedic roles. She appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, including the Hitchcock thriller "Frenzy" and the BBC series "The Forsyte Saga". Handl was also a regular performer on the radio, particularly on the long-running comedy program "The Navy Lark".
In addition to her acting and writing work, Handl was an avid traveler. She often visited the United States, where she had a large fanbase, and later wrote a book about her experiences in America called "Irene in America". Handl was married twice, first to the actor Roger Winton and later to the producer Percy Edgar.
Despite facing discrimination as a Jewish woman in the entertainment industry, Irene Handl was a trailblazer for women in British television and film. She was a beloved figure in the industry and was known for her quick wit and irreverent sense of humor.
Maisie Darrell
Maisie Darrell (February 24, 1901 Liverpool-) is an English actor.
Maisie Darrell began her acting career in the 1920s and appeared in numerous British films in the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of roles, from dramatic to comedic. With a career spanning more than four decades, Darrell became a respected figure in the British entertainment industry. In addition to her work on screen, she also appeared on stage and on radio. Darrell retired from acting in the early 1960s and passed away in 1987 at the age of 86.
Throughout her career, Maisie Darrell starred in over 50 films, including "The Good Companions" (1933), "Where's George?" (1935), "The Prince and the Pauper" (1937), and "The Beauty Jungle" (1964). She also appeared in several popular radio programs, including "Mrs. Dale's Diary" and "The Archers".
Darrell was often described as a character actor due to her ability to play a variety of personalities. She was praised for her talent in bringing complex characters to life on screen. In 1950, she won the British Film Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Morning Departure".
Off-screen, Darrell was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was also an avid traveler and enjoyed visiting countries all over the world.
Darrell never married and kept her personal life out of the public eye. She lived the latter years of her life in a small village near Liverpool and passed away in 1987. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable contributions to British cinema and entertainment.
Maisie Darrell's love for acting started when she was a teenager, where she began performing at a local theatre in Liverpool. Her breakthrough in the industry happened in 1923, when she starred in the play "The Constant Nymph" in London's West End. This led to her being discovered by film director Maurice Elvey, who cast her in her first film role in "The Rocks of Valpre" (1925).
In addition to her successful acting career, Darrell was also a talented writer. She wrote several plays, including "The Deacon and the Lady" (1954) which starred herself in leading role. She also wrote for various publications and newspapers.
During World War II, Darrell was actively involved in entertaining soldiers and performing for War efforts. She performed in touring theatrical productions and appeared in several propaganda films.
Darrell was also a strong advocate for animal rights and cared deeply about the welfare of animals. She frequently donated to animal charities and shelters and once turned down a lucrative film role that involved harming animals on set.
In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Darrell was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1982. She will always be remembered as a talented and versatile actress, a passionate writer, a kind humanitarian, and a remarkable woman who left an unforgettable legacy.
Olwen Brooks
Olwen Brooks (November 26, 1901 London-September 1, 1976 London) also known as Olwyn Brookes or Olwen Brookes was an English actor.
Brooks started her acting career in 1925 with the film "The Pleasure Garden". Over the years, she appeared in several silent films such as "The Farmer's Wife" (1928), "The Woman in White" (1929), and "A Cottage on Dartmoor" (1930). She later transitioned to talking films and appeared in movies such as "The Dark Eyes of London" (1939) and "Spy for a Day" (1940).
Apart from films, Brooks also acted in several stage productions. She was a part of the Old Vic Theatre Company and performed in numerous Shakespearean plays.
In addition to her acting career, Brooks was also a talented athlete. She represented Great Britain in the Women's World Games in 1926 and won a gold medal in the discus throw. She also held the British record in the discus throw for several years.
Brooks was married to the film director Harold French in 1935 and they remained together until her death in 1976.
Brooks was known for her versatile acting skills and her ability to portray a wide range of characters. She was praised for her naturalistic and understated performances, which set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Despite her success in both films and theatre, she was known for being very private and rarely gave interviews or spoke about her personal life. In addition to her acting and athletic pursuits, Brooks was also an accomplished painter and exhibited her work in several galleries. After her death, a retrospective of her paintings was held at the Royal Academy. Brooks remains an example of a multi-talented personality who excelled in various fields throughout her life.
Brooks was born in London, where she spent most of her life. She grew up in a family that was not involved in the entertainment industry, which made her decision to become an actor all the more unusual. After completing her education, Brooks worked as a clerk for a brief period before deciding to pursue acting full-time.
Brooks was not one to shy away from challenging roles. She was known to take on complex characters that required a great deal of emotional depth and range. Her performance in the play "St Joan" was particularly well-regarded by critics, who praised her for her ability to bring the character to life in a way that was both powerful and nuanced.
Despite her many accomplishments, Brooks remained humble throughout her life. She once stated that she was simply grateful to have been able to pursue her passions, and that the recognition she received from her peers and fans was simply a bonus. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to excellence continue to inspire young actors and artists to this day.
Gwen Nelson
Gwen Nelson (June 30, 1901 Muswell Hill-October 15, 1990 Suffolk) also known as Gwendoline Alexandra Nelson was an English actor.
Nelson started her career as an actor in the 1920s and appeared in various stage productions before making her way to films. She made her film debut in the 1930 movie "Escape" and went on to star in over 30 films during her career. Her notable works include "Leave It to Smith" (1935), "The Transatlantic Tunnel" (1935), "The Return of Carol Deane" (1938) and "Tawny Pipit" (1944). She was known for her versatility and talent and was equally adept at both comedic and dramatic roles.
Throughout her career, Nelson worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Rex Harrison, David Niven, and Vivien Leigh. She retired from acting in the early 1950s and spent the rest of her life in Suffolk, where she was actively involved in local community activities. She passed away in 1990 at the age of 89.
In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry, Gwen Nelson was also known for her activism and social work. She was a member of the British Film Institute's Production Committee and served on the board of the Actors' Orphanage. She was also an active member of the Labour Party and was involved in various campaigns to improve the living conditions of working-class families. During World War II, she volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross and spent time working with wounded soldiers in hospitals. Nelson was a beloved figure both on and off-screen, always displaying kindness and compassion to those around her. Even after retiring from acting, she continued to be a positive force and inspiration to those who knew her. Her legacy continues to live on through her memorable performances and humanitarian efforts.
Despite achieving considerable success as an actor, Gwen Nelson was known for her humility and down-to-earth nature. She was deeply committed to her craft and was known to put in a great deal of effort and preparation for each of her roles. She was also a keen traveler and visited many parts of the world throughout her life. In her later years, she became an avid gardener and spent much of her time cultivating vegetables and flowers in her garden. She was married to British actor and director, Oliver Wakefield in 1930, but the couple separated after a few years. Nelson never remarried but maintained lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues in the entertainment industry. Her contribution to British cinema was recognized posthumously in 2008 when she was honored with a plaque by the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, which was installed on the house where she was born.