Celebrity Biographies
John gielgud
On May 22, 2000, one of the great interpretive figures to emerge from the British Theater stages passed away at the age of 96. He leaves behind him a brilliant career as a stage actor, marked by successes, as well as an extensive filmography.
Gielgud was born on April 14, 1904. The son of a stockbroker, his steps soon turned to the world of acting. Winner of a scholarship, he studied at the Royal London Academy of Dramatic Art. He made his debut in 1921 with the play “Henry V” by William Shakespeare . His interpretations delighted demanding critics. Before long he found himself rising to the highest places on the British scene. His interpretation in “Hamlet” stands out , a work that he came to represent on more than 500 occasions. “Romeo and Juliet”, “Ricardo III”, “King Lear” are just some of the works that Gielgud masterfully recreated on stage.
Like so many other actors from the scene ( Laurence Olivier , Derek Jacobi ), Gielgud dared to step into the world of cinema. His first appearance in a movie dates back to 1924. Years later, in 1936, he starred in Secret Agent, under the direction of Alfred Hitchcock . The result could not be more discouraging; between director and actor there was no chemistry and Gielgud’s performance was stiff and artificial. He then stayed away from the cameras, and for 17 years he only appeared in one film: Prime Minister . In 1956, under Mankiewicz’s orders, he returned to the world of celluloid with the role of Casio in a film adaptation of Julius Caesar .of Shakespeare. Then came Ricardo III (1956) and Campanadas at midnight (1965), where he gives life to a tormented monarch, who doubts the dignity of his son to succeed him on the throne.
Gielgud became a secondary luxury in the world of cinema; His face and name in the credits contributed to give luster to the projects in which he was involved. In 1964 he earned an Oscar nomination with Becket (1964), and won the coveted Best Supporting Actor statuette in 1981 with Arthur, the Golden Bachelor . His role as the efficient and endearing butler of an American “playboy” earned him the favor of the public. His physique and bearing made him the ideal actor to play roles clothed with dignity and authority. Thus we see him successively become Pope, Cardinal, University Rector, Hospital Director, Governor of India…
Of his extensive filmography, it is worth highlighting: The Fisherman’s Sandals (1968), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), Murder by Decree (1979), The Elephant Man (1980), Chariots of Fire (1980), The Lion of Desert (1980), Gandhi (1982), The Strength of One (1992), Shine (1996), Portrait of a Lady (1996), Hamlet (1996) and Elizabeth (1998). In the world of television he intervened in a large number of series, among which it is necessary to highlight a version of the magnificent Return to Brideshead(1982), and in telefilms like Scarlet and Black (1983).