Contents
Alec Guinness
Versatile film roles from Ealing comedies to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Kind Hearts and Coronets · The Bridge on the River Kwai
- Born
- 2 April 1914
- Birthplace
- Marylebone
- Died
- 5 August 2000
More people
Alec Guinness
English actor whose precise character work connected Shakespearean theatre, British comedy and international cinema. Won an Oscar for The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Early life
Beginnings
Born in Maida Vale, London, as Alec Guinness de Cuffe. Entered professional theatre as a young man.
Career
- 1934
Stage career
Began professional theatre work.
- 1936
Old Vic
Joined the company while developing Shakespearean roles.
- After 1945
Film career
Became a leading presence in Ealing comedies and David Lean’s films.
Selected work
Kind Hearts and Coronets
Played eight members of the same aristocratic family.
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Played Colonel Nicholson.
Star Wars
Introduced Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Beyond work
Family and service
Married Merula Salaman in 1938 and had a son, Matthew. Served in the Royal Naval Reserve during the Second World War.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Allan warren. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.