Basil Rathbone

Date of Birth: June 13, 1892

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: July 21, 1967

Biography

Philip St. John Basil Rathbone, famously known as Basil Rathbone, was a British actor renowned for his portrayals of suave villains and his definitive characterization of Sherlock Holmes in a series of fourteen Hollywood films made between 1939 and 1946. Born on June 13, 1892, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Rathbone moved to England at age three with his family. He was educated at Repton School and developed an early interest in acting, which he pursued after serving in World War I. Rathbone’s career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than seventy films. He started his stage career in Shakespearean roles and transitioned to Hollywood in the 1920s. His distinctive voice, sharp features, and commanding presence made him ideal for villainous roles in films such as “David Copperfield” (1935) and “The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938), where he played Sir Guy of Gisbourne. However, it was his portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective Sherlock Holmes that cemented his legacy. Rathbone’s interpretation of Holmes was widely acclaimed and remains the gold standard for the character. Despite being typecast, he continued to work in various genres, including horror, drama, and even comedy. Rathbone’s contributions to the arts were recognized with multiple awards and honors, and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He died on July 21, 1967, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of cinema’s most distinguished actors.

5 Interesting Facts about Basil Rathbone

1. Basil Rathbone served as a second lieutenant in the British Army during World War I and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery.

2. He was knighted by the Queen of England in 1953 for his contributions to the arts.

3. Rathbone was a skilled fencer and often performed his own sword-fighting scenes in films.

4. He appeared in the Broadway play “The Heiress” in 1947, for which he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

5. Rathbone was known for his deep and resonant voice, which also made him a popular radio and voice actor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Basil Rathbone

1. “Never regret anything you have done with a sincere affection; nothing is lost that is born of the heart.”

2. “Sometimes I think nobody has ever felt as I do, as alone and as lonely as I feel.”

3. “A man does not depend upon his memory or his judgment in a crisis; he acts instinctively and is usually right.”

4. “I could have been a great Shakespearean actor, but I was typecast as Sherlock Holmes.”

5. “There is nothing more important than the creative process.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Basil Rathbone was estimated to be around $3 million at the peak of his career, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Basil Rathbone had two children. His first child, Rodion Rathbone, was born from his first marriage to Ethel Marion Foreman. He also adopted a daughter, Cynthia Rathbone, with his second wife, Ouida Bergère.