Date of Birth: December 27, 1879
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: January 18, 1954
Biography
Sydney Hughes Greenstreet was a British-American actor known for his distinctive voice, large stature, and memorable performances in classic Hollywood films. Born on December 27, 1879, in Sandwich, Kent, England, Greenstreet initially pursued a career in business, managing a tea plantation in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) before turning to acting at the age of 18. His stage career spanned several decades, during which he performed in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Greenstreet made his film debut at the age of 62, playing the role of the sinister Kasper Gutman in the 1941 film “The Maltese Falcon” alongside Humphrey Bogart. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and he quickly became known for his portrayals of charismatic villains and complex characters. He went on to appear in numerous other notable films, including “Casablanca” (1942), “Across the Pacific” (1942), and “The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944). Despite his relatively short film career, which lasted only eight years, Greenstreet left an indelible mark on the film industry with his distinctive presence and memorable performances. He passed away on January 18, 1954, in Hollywood, California.
5 Interesting Facts about Sydney Greenstreet
1. Sydney Greenstreet was 62 years old when he made his film debut in “The Maltese Falcon.”
2. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his very first film role.
3. Greenstreet had a successful stage career before transitioning to film, including performances in London and on Broadway.
4. He was often cast alongside Peter Lorre, with whom he appeared in nine films.
5. Greenstreet’s imposing physical presence and deep voice made him a natural choice for villainous roles.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sydney Greenstreet
1. “The trouble with you, sir, is that you’re like a horse in a stable. You think the whole world smells of horses.”
2. “I’m a man who likes talking to a man who likes to talk.”
3. “By Gad, sir, you’ve got the brain of a flea.”
4. “I distrust a man who says ‘when.’ If he’s got to be careful not to drink too much, it’s because he’s not to be trusted when he does.”
5. “Here’s to plain speaking and clear understanding.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Sydney Greenstreet’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for the time.
Children
Sydney Greenstreet had one child, a son named John Ogden Greenstreet.
Relevant Links
1. [Sydney Greenstreet on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0338503/
3. [Sydney Greenstreet on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Greenstreet
4. [Sydney Greenstreet: A Hollywood Legend](https://www.biography.com/actor/sydney-greenstreet
5. [Sydney Greenstreet Filmography](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sydney_greenstreet
