Peter Cushing

Peter Wilton Cushing OBE (26 May 1913 – 11 August 1994) was an English actor known for his appearances in more than 100 films, as well as his roles in television, theatre, and radio. His career spanned over six decades, and he is most recognised for his roles in horror films, particularly those of Hammer Productions, during the 1950s to the 1970s. Cushing's first film debut was in the film The Man in the Iron Mask (1939) during his time in Hollywood, and after returning to England, he performed in a string of roles, including one in an adaptation of Hamlet (1948). Despite his struggling career, Cushing started working in live television plays and soon became one of the most recognisable faces in British television. He earned acclaim for his performances as Winston Smith in a BBC adaptation of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1954). Cushing played notable roles such as Baron Frankenstein in the Hammer studio's seven Frankenstein films and Doctor Van Helsing in five Dracula films. Furthermore, he acted as Dr. Who in two Dr. Who movies: Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966). Lastly, his role in the original Star Wars film (1977) enhanced his fame. Despite being often typecast as a horror film actor, Cushing remained active in the television and film industry until the early to mid-1990s. Cushing also wrote two autobiographies: Peter Cushing: An Autobiography (1986) and Past Forgetting: Memoirs of the Hammer Years (1988).

Born and raised in Kenley, Surrey, Cushing made his stage debut in 1935 and subsequently spent three years at a repertory theatre. Despite living during the wartime, he was shielded from its horrors by his mother. Cushing developed a love for dressing up and make-believe at a young age, eventually leading to his passion for acting. He embarked on a career in acting after school, despite his father's opposition. Cushing started working at Southampton Rep, a repertory theatre company, in 1936, where he played almost 100 characters. After some struggle in the profession, he finally received recognition for his work in live television plays.