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Edmund Gwenn Biography
Birth Name:Edmund John Kellaway
Birth Place:London, England, United Kingdom
Profession Actor, Soundtrack
Fast Facts
- Awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions to the industry
- First actor to ever win an Oscar for portraying Santa Claus
- Older brother of fellow actor, Arthur Chesney
- Quote: "(Upon receiving his Oscar for "Miracle on 34th Street") "Now I know there is a Santa Claus!""
- Discovered at 18 by playwright George Bernard Shaw, who would go on to cast him in several of his plays starting in the 1890s
- Established himself as a successful actor throughout England before making his Hollywood film debut in 1935, where he would permanently settle by 1940
- Served with the British Army during WWI, eventually rising to the rank of Captain
Awards
- 1943Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
- 1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
- 1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
- 1947Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
- 1948Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
- 1948Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor: winner
- 1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
- 1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
- 1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
- 1951Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
- 1951Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor: winner