Ralph Richardson

Sir Ralph David Richardson (1902-1983) was an English actor who, alongside John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, dominated the British stage throughout much of the 20th century. Known for his roles in over sixty films and numerous stage productions, Richardson first discovered his passion for acting after watching a production of Hamlet in Brighton. From an artistic family, Richardson began his acting craft in the 1920s with a touring company and later the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He later joined the Old Vic and performed mostly Shakespearean roles before joining the Old Vic company as co-director alongside Olivier and John Burrell. In the 1940s, he was celebrated for his roles in Peer Gynt and Falstaff. His acting career spanned over various mediums including stage, film and television, and lasted for nearly eight decades, right up until his sudden death at the age of eighty. His film career began as an extra in 1931 and he soon starred in leading roles in British and American films. From his portrayal in The Heiress in 1949 to his posthumously nominated role in Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes in 1984, Richardson was twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Known for his eccentric behaviour both on and off stage, Richardson cultivated a compelling presence that was often described as poetic or magical. He largely remained an enigmatic figure, revealing his amazing breadth as an actor while retaining his privacy.