Hugh Griffith
(1912 - 1980)Hugh Griffith was almost a "chameleon-like" actor but his intense look, deep dark eyes and bushy eyebrows often gave him away. He was born in Angelsey, North Wales on May 30, 1912. He originally worked as a banker but won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and was off on an acting career. He was also a drinking friend of poet Dylan Thomas. He had a career on the London stage which was interrupted by a stint with the Welsh Fusiliers in World War II. After the War he began a long film career appearing in some 50 films. He often wore heavy makeup and costuming in historical epics and was quite adept at those type roles. He is probably best remembered for his appearance as Squire Western in the Academy Award winning "Tom Jones" (1963) as , but I remember him best as Sheik Ilderim in the film classic and Academy Award winning "Ben Hur" (1959) for which he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Among his other credits are: "Neutral Port" (1940) in an uncredited bit part, his film debut; "Silver Darlings" (1947) as Packman, his first actual role; "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949) as the Lord High Steward; "Beggar's Opera" (1953) as The Beggar; "Passage Home" (1955) as Pettigrew; "Lucky Jim" (1957) as Prof. Welch; "Exodus" (1960) as Mandria; "The Counterfeit Traitor" (1962) as Collins; "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962) with Marlon Brando, as Alexander Smith; "The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders" (1965) as the Prison Governor; "Oliver!" (1968) as The Magistrate; "Start the Revolution Without Me" (1970) as King Louis; "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" (1971) as a Rabbi; "The Last Remake of Beau Geste" (1977) as a Judge and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (1979) as Sid Larkin, his last film. He starred as a regular in the British TV series: "Quatermass II" (1955) as Dr. Leo Pugh. He died on May 14, 1980 at his home in London, England at age 67 after a long illness.
From Great Character Actors, Page 2.
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