Highly distinguished, versatile and prolific British performer who is considered, with Laurence Olivier, one of the finest actors of the 20th century. Scion of an illustrious stage family -- his maternal grand-aunt was celebrated 19th century actress Ellen Terry and his paternal great-grandmother was famed Lithuanian actor Aniela Aszpergerowa -- Gielgud trained on a one-year scholarship at Lady Benson's Acting School and at RADA before making his stage debut at age 17 in 1921 at the Old Vic with a single line as a herald in Shakespeare's Henry V.
This first association with the Bard was to prove a mainstay of Gielgud's career, and he came to be regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Shakespeare in English theater. He played, among other roles, Romeo, Richard II, Macbeth, Prospero, and Antony. He first played Hamlet in 1930, and performed the role more than 500 times. Gielgud subsequently established himself as a respected stage director, launching his own distinguished company in 1937 at the Queen's Theatre, performing Shakespeare and other classics such as School for Scandal, Three Sisters, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Throughout his career the theater was a mainstay both in his native London and on Broadway, where he won three Tonys®.
Gielgud made his screen debut in 1924 in the silent feature WHO IS THE MAN?, and played one of his few romantic film leads in Alfred Hitchcock's SECRET AGENT (1936). With his high forehead, receding hairline and bulbous nose, Gielgud was cast primarily in strong supporting roles on the big screen. However, he always managed to be a standout, living up to the credo: "There are no small parts, only small actors." Gielgud brought majestic interpretations to any number of cinematic characters, from France's King Louis VII opposite Richard Burton in BECKET (1964) to the aging career diplomat in the film of David Hare's PLENTY (1985). He picked up a Best Supporting Actor Oscar® for his portrayal of Dudley Moore's foul-mouthed manservant in ARTHUR (1981). In Kenneth Branagh's Oscar-nominated short SWAN SONG (1992), based on a two-character Chekov play, Gielgud poignantly played an aging actor who takes to the stage of an empty theater and revisits the Shakespearean characters of his career.
Knighted in 1953 and appointed a Companion of Honour in 1977. Made a member of The Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II for exeptional contributions to the arts in December, 1996.
"Style," the great Gielgud once said, "is knowing what sort of play you're in."
Nominated for Supporting Actor 1964: BECKET
Supporting Actor 1981: ARTHUR
2 nominations, 1 Award