George Arliss Biography

Fast Facts

• British filmgoers named him their favorite male star in 1934
• Received an honorary Masters of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1919
• His role as British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in "Disraeli" made him the first British actor to win an Academy Award
• Before he turned 18, he worked in his father's publishing office
• Started acting in 1887, appearing in stage productions in the English provinces
• Usually wore a monocle, a sartorial affectation he adopted in his youth
• Often portrayed great figures of history, with some of his most successful films being "Disraili," Alexander Hamilton" and "Rothschild․"
• Served as president of the Episcopal Actors' Guild of America from 1921 to 1938
• Bette Davis credited him with helping her get her big break into stardom by insisting she be his leading lady in "The Man Who Played God․"
• Founded the National Anti-Vivisection Society of Chicago