Contents
John Gielgud
Shakespearean stage performances and his Oscar-winning role in Arthur.
The Ages of Man · Arthur
- Born
- 14 April 1904
- Birthplace
- South Kensington
- Died
- 21 May 2000
More people
John Gielgud
English actor and director whose career extended across eight decades. His distinctive voice and command of verse made him a leading Shakespearean performer before a prolific later screen career.
Early life
Theatrical family
Belonged to the Terry acting family and trained at RADA. Early paid work came with his cousin Phyllis Neilson-Terry’s company.
Career
- 1929–1931
Old Vic
Established his Shakespearean reputation.
- 1930s
Actor and director
Led productions in London and appeared on Broadway.
- 1982
Supporting Actor Oscar
Won for playing Hobson in Arthur.
Selected work
The Ages of Man
Performed a solo programme drawn from Shakespeare.
Arthur
Played the dry-witted butler Hobson.
Beyond work
Institutional service
Served as RADA president from 1977 to 1989. London’s Gielgud Theatre was renamed in his honour in 1994.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.