John Gielgud

About

Prolific British actor who played Hamlet over 500 times and had the distinction of winning an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.

Before Fame

He came from a long line of actors, and his first stage experiences involved playing Shylock and Humpty Dumpty before receiving a scholarship to Westminster school in London.

Trivia

He was knighted in 1953, became a Companion of Honour in 1977, and was admitted to the Order of Merit in 1996, fifteen years after winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Arthur.

Family Life

His longtime partner Martin Hensler died in 1998, only 16 months before his own death.

Associated With

He was good friends with Sir Laurence Olivier, albeit competitors professionally, as both were known as the greatest Shakespearean actors of their generation.