Ben Kingsley

Date of Birth: December 31, 1943

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Sir Ben Kingsley, born Krishna Pandit Bhanji, is a renowned English actor whose career spans over five decades. He was born on December 31, 1943, in Snainton, North Riding of Yorkshire, England. Kingsley is best known for his versatile roles in both film and theater, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globes. Raised in Pendlebury, near Manchester, Kingsley attended De La Salle College in Salford, where he was involved in amateur dramatics. He later studied at the University of Salford and then at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He began his acting career in the theater, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1967, where he honed his craft with performances in classical and contemporary plays. Kingsley achieved international fame with his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in Richard Attenborough’s film “Gandhi” (1982). His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation. Throughout his career, Kingsley has showcased his remarkable range in films such as “Schindler’s List” (1993), “Sexy Beast” (2000), “House of Sand and Fog” (2003), and “Hugo” (2011). In addition to his film work, Kingsley has also made notable television appearances and has lent his voice to various animated features and documentaries. He was knighted in 2002 for his contributions to the British film industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Ben Kingsley

1. Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji to an Indian father, Rahimtulla Harji Bhanji, and an English mother, Anna Lyna Mary.

2. He changed his name to Ben Kingsley to avoid being typecast and to gain more acting opportunities.

3. Kingsley has played a wide variety of characters, from historical figures to fictional villains, showcasing his exceptional versatility as an actor.

4. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Mahatma Gandhi in the film “Gandhi” (1982).

5. Kingsley was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 for his services to the British film industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ben Kingsley

1. “The trick is to try and bring the audience into the character’s world and then make them feel the pain and the joy of that character.”

2. “I think if I were to go back on stage, I would be able to take the experience of working in film and television and bring it to the theater.”

3. “What is so brilliant about the characters that I play is that I often play people who are misunderstood.”

4. “I think it’s a privilege to act, and you have to protect and cherish it.”

5. “All the great writers root their characters in true human behavior.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Ben Kingsley is estimated to be around $60 million.

Children

Ben Kingsley has four children. He has two sons, Thomas Bhanji and actor Ferdinand Kingsley, from his first marriage to Angela Morant. He also has two children, Edmund Kingsley and Jasmin Kingsley, from his second marriage to Alison Sutcliffe.