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John Gielgud Biography

Birth Name:
Arthur John Gielgud
Birth Place:
South Kensington, London, England
Profession
Actor, director, author

Fast Facts

  • 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
  • 1954BAFTA Film Awards-Best British Actor: winner

Relationships

  • Lewis Evelyn Gielgud -- Brother
  • John Perry -- Ex-significant Other
  • Martin Hensler -- Ex-significant Other
  • Paul Anstee -- Ex-significant Other
  • Frank Gielgud -- Father
  • Kate Terry -- Grandmother
  • Ellen Alice Terry -- Great-aunt
  • Kate Terry Lewis -- Mother
  • Eleanor Gielgud -- Sister