Felix Aylmer

Sir Felix Edward Aylmer Jones, OBE, was an English stage actor, known for his dignified and learned delivery style, who also appeared in cinema and television. Born on 21 February 1889, Aylmer made his acting debut at the London Coliseum in 1911 after being trained by Victorian-era actress and director Rosina Filippi. His style of acting was often imitated by comedians, and even in real life by judges. He worked with Sir Laurence Olivier in Shakespearean films, and took on roles of wise old men, such as Merlin in Knights of the Round Table (1953). He notably gave elocution lessons to young Audrey Hepburn. Aylmer also served as the President of Equity from 1950 to 1969. In 1950, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1950 King's Birthday Honours, and was knighted in 1965. Besides acting, Aylmer also narrated in Richard Williams' unfinished animated project, The Thief and the Cobbler (1993). Even at the age of 80, he continued acting, playing a villain in an episode of Randall and Hopkirk. He appeared in the TV series Jason King in 1972, aged 83. His last major screen role was as the Abbot in the sitcom Oh, Brother!.

Felix Aylmer married Cecily Minnie Jane Byrne during the First World War, and the couple had three children. Personal life apart, Aylmer also contributed to literature through his publications, including Dickens Incognito (1959) and The Drood Case (1964).