Date of Birth: April 14, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: May 21, 2000
Biography
Sir Arthur John Gielgud, often known as John Gielgud, was a renowned English actor and theatre director whose career spanned eight decades. Born into a family with a rich theatrical heritage, Gielgud became one of the most acclaimed and versatile actors of the 20th century. He was born in South Kensington, London, and educated at Westminster School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Gielgud made his professional stage debut in 1921, and by the mid-1920s, he had established himself as a leading Shakespearean actor. His portrayal of Hamlet in 1930 brought him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as one of the great interpreters of Shakespeare. Gielgud’s career included a wide range of roles in both classical and contemporary plays, as well as significant work in film and television. He was known for his distinctive voice and commanding presence. His notable film roles include his Academy Award-winning performance as Hobson in “Arthur” (1981), and he also appeared in “Gandhi” (1982) and “The Elephant Man” (1980). In addition to acting, Gielgud was a respected director and writer, contributing to the theatre world not only through his performances but also through his work behind the scenes. He was knighted in 1953 for his services to the theatre and remained active in his profession well into his 90s.
5 Interesting Facts about John Gielgud
1. John Gielgud was one of the few actors to have won an Oscar, a Tony Award, an Emmy, and a Grammy, achieving the rare “EGOT” status.
2. He was a cousin of the famous actress Ellen Terry and also related to the legendary stage actor Sir Henry Irving.
3. Gielgud directed the first production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde after World War II, which was critically acclaimed.
4. He received the BAFTA Fellowship in 1983, the highest honor the British Academy of Film and Television Arts can bestow.
5. Despite his illustrious career, Gielgud was famously modest and often downplayed his success and talent.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Gielgud
1. “The most important thing in acting is honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”
2. “Acting is half shame, half glory. Shame at exhibiting yourself, glory when you can forget yourself.”
3. “The best thing about acting is that I get to be somebody else and not myself.”
4. “One mustn’t allow acting to be like stockbroker or business work. One must not be a tradesman.”
5. “It is hard to be a legend at lunch and a minor character at dinner.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, John Gielgud’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
John Gielgud did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [John Gielgud – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gielgud
2. [John Gielgud – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000024/
3. [John Gielgud – Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Gielgud
5. [John Gielgud – BAFTA](https://www.bafta.org/heritage/in-memory-of/sir-john-gielgud
