Of Lithuanian-Polish heritage on his father's side; his paternal great-grandmother was famed Lithuanian actress Anielia Aszpergerowa
Descended from the distinguished Terry family of thespians, most notably Ellen Alice Terry (great aunt) and Kate Terry (grandmother), on his mother's side
His speaking voice was described by Alec Guinness as being "like a silver trumpet muffled in silk
" Was knighted in 1953
Most famous for his appearances on the stage, especially in Shakespearean dramas; didn't become an international star until his role in 1981's Arthur
One of the few actors to win a Grammy, a Tony, an Oscar and an Emmy
Awards
1997BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated
1996Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
1990Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
1989Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
1989Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special:nominated
1986BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated
1985Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special:nominated
1985Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor:winner
1984Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special:nominated
1982BAFTA Film Awards-Best Supporting Artist:nominated
1982Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:winner
1981New York Film Critics Circle-Best Supporting Actor:winner
1981Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor:winner
1981Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:winner
1977New York Film Critics Circle-Best Actor:winner
1975BAFTA Film Awards-Best Supporting Actor:winner
1964Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated