Date of Birth: April 20, 1902
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: February 17, 1968
Biography
Donald Wolfit was a renowned English actor and director, best known for his Shakespearean roles and for his dedication to bringing high-quality theatre to a broad audience. Born in New Balderton, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England, Wolfit made his professional stage debut in 1920 and quickly established himself as a talented actor. He gained considerable acclaim for his powerful and dynamic performances, particularly in the works of William Shakespeare. Wolfit was particularly famous for his portrayals of King Lear, Othello, and Richard III. In addition to his acting career, he also managed his own theatre company, which he used as a platform to tour and perform classic plays across the United Kingdom and internationally. Through his company, he made significant contributions to the theatrical arts, earning a reputation as one of the last great actor-managers. Wolfit received a knighthood in 1957 in recognition of his services to the theatre. He continued to act on stage and in films until his death in 1968.
5 Interesting Facts about Donald Wolfit
1. Donald Wolfit was knighted in 1957 for his services to the theatre.
2. He founded his own theatre company in 1937, which toured extensively in the UK and abroad.
3. Wolfit was known for his energetic and emotional style of acting, particularly in Shakespearean roles.
4. He appeared in several films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) where he played General Murray.
5. Wolfit once performed “King Lear” in front of an audience that included Queen Elizabeth II.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donald Wolfit
1. “The theatre is the actor’s medium; film is the director’s.”
2. “Shakespeare is the only playwright who can be performed over and over and still offer something new each time.”
3. “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”
4. “Theatre is a living, breathing art form. It should always be evolving and challenging both the actors and the audience.”
5. “To be a great actor, one must first be a great observer of life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Donald Wolfit’s net worth was estimated to be around £500,000, a significant amount at the time, accounting for inflation.
Children
Donald Wolfit had two children: actress Margaret Wolfit and actor Hugh Wolfit.
Relevant Links
1. [Donald Wolfit – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0938044/
2. [Donald Wolfit – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Wolfit
3. [Donald Wolfit – Theatricalia](https://theatricalia.com/person/2q9/donald-wolfit
4. [Donald Wolfit – AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/artist/donald-wolfit-vn15328347