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Peter Ustinov Biography

Birth Name:Peter Alexander Freiherr von Ustinov

Birth Place:London, England, United Kingdom

Profession Actor, Writer, Director, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

Served as Chancellor of Durham University in England from 1992 to 2004
Acted as president of the World Federalist Movement from 1991 until his death
Quote: "I was irrevocably betrothed to laughter, the sound of which has always seemed to me to be the most civilised music in the world․"
Quote: "Beliefs are what divide people․ Doubt unites them․"
Following an illustrious acting career, he would begin directing after receiving encouragement from Sir Georg Solti, who pushed him to make his directorial debut in opera in the 1960s
Initially wanting to become a playwright, he made his stage debut as an actor at the Players' Theatre in 1938 before gaining enough prominence to work behind the scenes
Worked as an avid supporter, fundraiser and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in his later years
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was on her way to meet with Ustinov when she was assassinated in 1984

1952Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1952Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor: winner
1952Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1958Primetime Emmy-Actor - Best Single Performance - Lead or Support: winner
1961Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
1961Golden Berlin Bear-: nominated
1961Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
1961Golden Laurel-Top Male Supporting Performance: nominated
1962DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures: nominated
1963BAFTA Film Award-Best British Screenplay: nominated
1963DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures: nominated
1963WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Drama: nominated
1965Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
1965Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1965Golden Laurel-Supporting Performance, Male: winner
1967Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Drama: winner
1969Oscar-Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen: nominated
1969WGA Award (Screen)-Best Written American Comedy: nominated
1970Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: winner
1972Golden Berlin Bear-: nominated
1979BAFTA Film Award-Best Actor: nominated
1980Evening Standard British Film Award-Best Actor: winner
1982Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Programming: nominated