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Ralph Richardson Biography

Birth Name:Ralph David Richardson

Birth Place:Tivoli Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

Profession Actor, Director, Producer

Fast Facts

  • In 1947, he was awarded the title of Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire
  • In 1982, he was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Special Award for his contributions to theatre over his lifetime
  • In an attempt to become a theatre actor, he hired a local theater manager ten shillings a week to teach him the craft
  • Quote: "Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people from coughing․"
  • Would often take on the role of characters who were in a position of authority
  • Was offered the role of Estragon in "Waiting for Godot," but turned the part down
  • Ran the Old Vic theatre company alongside Laurence Olivier in the 1940s

Awards

  • 1938NBR Award-Best Acting: winner
  • 1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
  • 1940NBR Award-Best Acting: winner
  • 1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1945Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (August): winner
  • 1949NBR Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 1949NYFCC Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
  • 1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1950Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1952NBR Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 1952NYFCC Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 1953BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actor: winner
  • 1962Best Actor-: winner
  • 1967BAFTA Film Award-Best British Actor: nominated
  • 1973BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 1982Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 1984NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 1985Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1985BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 1985NSFC Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated