Charles Laughton

**Charles Laughton** (1 July 1899 – 15 December 1962) was a British and American actor known for his wide range of roles on stage, film, and television. Trained at the _Royal Academy of Dramatic Art_ in London, he first appeared professionally on stage in 1926, quickly rising to fame and receiving critical acclaim for his performances in classical and contemporary plays. In 1927, he met his future wife, _Elsa Lanchester_, with whom he would live and work until his death. Laughton's work encompassed a wide range of roles, from misfits and monsters to kings, earning him enduring recognition in the film industry. His notable films include _The Private Life of Henry VIII_, _Mutiny on the Bounty_, _Witness for the Prosecution_ and _The Night of the Hunter_. During his later years, he also ventured into stage directing, with notable productions including _The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial_ and _Don Juan in Hell_. Laughton's unique acting style and strong presence on the screen left a profound impact on many future actors, most notably _Daniel Day-Lewis_, who cited him as a great influence on his own acting career.