Contents
Robert Donat
The 39 Steps and his Oscar-winning performance in Goodbye, Mr. Chips.
The 39 Steps · Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Born
- 18 March 1905
- Birthplace
- Withington
- Died
- 9 June 1958
More people
Robert Donat
English actor whose stage and screen work made him a leading figure in 1930s British cinema. Chronic asthma limited the number of films he could undertake.
Early life
Voice training
Grew up in Manchester and took elocution lessons to address a stammer. Worked for his teacher to pay for continued lessons.
Career
- 1921
Stage debut
Played Lucius in Julius Caesar.
- 1933
Film breakthrough
Appeared in The Private Life of Henry VIII.
- 1940
Academy Award
Won Best Actor for Goodbye, Mr. Chips.
Selected work
The 39 Steps
Played Richard Hannay in Hitchcock’s thriller.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Portrayed a schoolmaster across decades.
Beyond work
Family
Had three children with Ella Annesley Voysey. Later married actor Renée Asherson.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.