Who Is John Gielgud? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Gielgud was born on April 14, 1904, and passed away on May 21, 2000, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of theatre and film. At the time of his passing, he was 96 years old. He is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the arts, including a prestigious career in acting that spanned over six decades. Gielgud's unique blend of classical training and versatility enabled him to shine in various roles, both on stage and on film. His extensive filmography and stage performances have made him an iconic figure in the performing arts.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1904 |
| Age | 96 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | |
| Date of death | 21 May, 2000 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
John Gielgud's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While John Gielgud's physical attributes are not as prominently featured in contemporary discussions as his artistic achievements, it’s noted that he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm). He maintained a slim physique throughout his life, which was suitable for his dynamic stage presence. Details regarding his weight and specific body measurements are less documented, focusing instead on his talent rather than physical stats.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, John Gielgud remained relatively private about his personal relationships. He was known to have had romantic relationships with several notable figures, but he never married. Gielgud often spoke candidly about his relationships, which were significant in shaping his life and career. His closest friendships and emotional bonds were crucial to his legacy, reflecting a man who valued companionship and creativity.
Gielgud's elder brothers were Lewis, who became a senior official of the Red Cross and UNESCO, and Val, later head of BBC radio drama; his younger sister Eleanor became John's secretary for many years. On his father's side, Gielgud was of Lithuanian and Polish descent. The surname derives from Gelgaudiškis, a village in Lithuania.
The Counts Gielgud had owned the Gelgaudiškis Manor on the Nemunas river, but their estates were confiscated after they took part in a failed uprising against Russian rule in 1830–31.
Jan Gielgud took refuge in England with his family; one of his grandchildren was Frank Gielgud, whose maternal grandmother was the Polish actress, Aniela Aszpergerowa.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his death in 2000, John Gielgud had amassed a considerable fortune, with an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His wealth was a result of his illustrious acting career, numerous awards—including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award—and successful ventures in theatre and film. Although specific salary figures fluctuated throughout his career, Gielgud's status as a leading actor ensured he received substantial remuneration for his performances.
In 1929 Harcourt Williams, newly appointed as director of productions at the Old Vic, invited Gielgud to join the company for the forthcoming season. The Old Vic, in an unfashionable area of London south of the Thames, was run by Lilian Baylis to offer plays and operas to a mostly working-class audience at low ticket prices.
She paid her performers very modest wages, but the theatre was known for its unrivalled repertory of classics, mostly Shakespeare, and Gielgud was not the first West End star to take a large pay cut to work there. It was, in Morley's words, the place to learn Shakespearean technique and try new ideas.
Career, Business and Investments
John Gielgud's career was marked by versatility and excellence. He made his stage debut in 1921 and quickly rose to prominence in British theatre, later making a significant impact on the international stage. His work in prominent films such as "Arthur" (1981) and "The Last Unicorn" (1982) earned him accolades and a wider audience. Gielgud was also known for his remarkable Shakespearean roles and was regarded as one of the greatest classical actors of his time.
Although primarily an actor and director, Gielgud also engaged in various investments, particularly in arts-related ventures. His passionate advocacy for theatre led him to support numerous productions and initiatives, thereby contributing to the arts community even beyond his on-screen presence.
Sir Arthur John Gielgud (14 April 1904 – 21 May 2000) was an English actor and theatre director whose career spanned eight decades. With Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier, he was one of the trinity of actors who dominated the British stage for much of the 20th century.
A member of the Terry family theatrical dynasty, he gained his first paid acting work as a junior member of his cousin Phyllis Neilson-Terry's company in 1922.
After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), he worked in repertory theatre and in the West End before establishing himself at the Old Vic as an exponent of Shakespeare in 1929–31.
Social Network
While John Gielgud did not engage with social media as we know it today, his legacy continues to thrive across various platforms. His memorable quotes and performances are shared widely, and fans frequently revisit his work to gain insight into his talent and craftsmanship. Gielgud’s contributions to the arts are celebrated annually in theatre communities worldwide, ensuring that his influence remains strong in contemporary discussions about acting and directing.
In 1928 Gielgud made his Broadway debut as the Grand Duke Alexander in Alfred Neumann's The Patriot. The play was a failure, closing after a week, but Gielgud liked New York and received favourable reviews from critics including Alexander Woollcott and Brooks Atkinson.
After returning to London he starred in a succession of short runs, including Ibsen's Ghosts with Mrs Patrick Campbell (1928), and Reginald Berkeley's The Lady with a Lamp (1929) with Edith Evans and Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies. In 1928 he made his second film, The Clue of the New Pin.
This, billed as "the first British full-length talkie", was an adaptation of an Edgar Wallace mystery story; Gielgud played a young scoundrel who commits two murders and very nearly a third before he himself is killed.
Education
Gielgud received formal training at the prestigious Westminster School and subsequently attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His education in classical theatre laid the foundation for his exemplary career, providing him with the necessary skills to excel in the dramatic arts. This training allowed him to develop his distinct character interpretations and mastery of the English language, which became hallmarks of his performances throughout his career.
In 1912, aged eight, Gielgud went to Hillside preparatory school in Surrey as his elder brothers had done. For a child with no interest in sport he acquitted himself reasonably well in cricket and rugby for the school. In class, he hated mathematics, was fair at classics, and excelled at English and divinity.
Hillside encouraged his interest in drama, and he played several leading roles in school productions, including Mark Antony in Julius Caesar and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.
