Who Is Robert Donat? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Donat was born on March 18, 1905, in Manchester, England. He became a prominent actor known for his exceptional performances in film and theatre during the early to mid-20th century. Donat gained fame through his roles in classics like "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and "The Thirty-Nine Steps." His contributions to cinema earned him accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1939.
Although Robert Donat passed away on June 9, 1958, his legacy continues to resonate with fans and new generations of film enthusiasts. As of 2025, he would have been 120 years old, reflecting on a golden era of British cinema that he significantly influenced.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1905 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Withington, Manchester, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 9 June, 1958 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
Robert Donat's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Body Measurements: While precise measurements are not readily available, Robert Donat was known for his charismatic presence and classic physique, which suited his leading man roles in cinema.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Robert Donat was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Ellen D. F. Donat in 1937, which lasted until their divorce in 1940. He later married his second wife, a playwright by the name of Mary L. Donat, in 1943. They remained married until his untimely death in 1958. There are no publicly known details about any significant relationships or boyfriends since Donat’s era focused primarily on traditional marriage.
He was of English, Polish, German and French descent and was educated at Manchester Central Grammar School for Boys. His older brother was Philip Donat, father of actors Richard and Peter Donat.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Robert Donat's estimated net worth was around $500,000, a significant sum for that era. Adjusted for inflation, his wealth in today’s terms would be estimated to be several million dollars. While specific salary figures for his films are not easily accessible, his work in iconic films and theatre productions contributed considerably to his financial standing.
Career, Business, and Investments
Robert Donat’s career flourished in the 1930s and 1940s; he became one of the leading actors of his time. He starred in several acclaimed films, earning praise for his performances and contributing to the success of British cinema. Aside from acting, Donat was known for his involvement in theatre and received commendations for his stage presence.
While there are no records of significant business ventures or investments during his life, his legacy continues through film retrospectives and the ongoing popularity of his work in classic cinema.
Beginning his career in theatre, Donat made his stage debut in 1921 playing Lucius in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, and in 1928 he appeared in productions at the Liverpool Playhouse, starring in plays by John Galsworthy, George Bernard Shaw among others, before moving to London in 1930.
He appeared in the West End when he starred in A Sleeping Clergyman in 1933, and in 1936 he took on the management of the West End's Queen's Theatre.
Social Network
Given that Robert Donat lived in a pre-social media era, he did not possess any social network accounts. However, his legacy lives on through film communities and fan pages dedicated to preserving his memories and achievements. Fans can find discussions about his life and performances on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and dedicated cinema forums.
Korda loaned Donat to Edward Small for the only film Donat made in Hollywood, The Count of Monte Cristo (1934). In exchange, Leslie Howard was sent to Korda to make The Scarlet Pimpernel.
The Count of Monte Cristo was successful and Donat was offered the lead role in a number of films for Warners, including Anthony Adverse (1935) and another swashbuckler, Captain Blood (1935). However, he did not like America and returned to Britain.
Education
Robert Donat had a classical English education, attending the prestigious Manchester Grammar School, where he developed his love for acting. He studied at a local school before immersing himself in the theatrical community, where he honed his skills and embarked on a professional acting career.
To cope with a bad stammer, he took elocution lessons with James Bernard, a leading teacher of "dramatic interpretation". He left school at 15, working as Bernard's secretary to fund his continued lessons.
