Hugh Griffith

Hugh Griffith
from the trailer for the film Ben-Hur (1959)
Born	Hugh Emrys Griffith 30 May 1912(1912-05-30) Marian Glas, Anglesey, Wales
Died	14 May 1980 (aged 67) London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1939 – 1980

Hugh Emrys Griffith (30 May 1912 – 14 May 1980) was a Welsh film, stage and television actor.

Life and career

Griffith was born in Marianglas, Anglesey, Wales and educated at local schools. He attempted to gain entrance to university, but failed the English examination. He was then urged to make a career in banking. He became a bank clerk and transferred to London to be closer to acting opportunities. Just as he was making progress and gained admission to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he had to suspend his plans in order to serve in the army in India and Burma during World War II. He resumed his acting career in 1947.

Griffith began his film career in British films during the late 1940s, and by the 1950s was also appearing in Hollywood films. He also had a successful career as a stage actor. In 1958, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in Look Homeward, Angel on Broadway. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Ben-Hur (1959), and received a second nomination for his role in Tom Jones (1963). In 1960, he appeared in an adaptation of A. J. Cronin's The Citadel, and in 1968, he appeared as the magistrate in Oliver!. His later career was often blighted by his chronic alcoholism.

On television, he had major roles in Quatermass II (1955) and Clochemerle (1972), but is best remembered for his role as lecherous funeral director Caradog Lloyd-Evans in the 1978 comedy Grand Slam.

He died from a heart attack in London in 1980.

Griffith received an honorary degree from the University of Wales, Bangor in 1980.

Filmography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hugh Griffith

• Hugh Griffith at the Internet Movie Database