Gielgud, John
Gielgud, John (1904–2000). Actor and director. Great-nephew of Ellen Terry, sharing her passion for Shakespeare and mellifluence of voice (‘a silver trumpet muffled in silk’, according to Sir Alec Guinness), Gielgud devoted himself wholly to the theatre and maintenance of classical tradition, as one of his generation's greatest stage and screen actors. Joining the Old Vic, his portrayal of Hamlet (1929) quickly established his reputation, enhanced by subsequent performances as Prospero, Angelo, and Lear. Ambition to direct was realized in the 1930s with wartime productions in Britain and abroad. In the 1950s Gielgud seemed happier in classical revivals than new drama—he was knighted in 1953—but his versatility led to acclaim in contemporary works later. Enjoyment of film-making (Academy award, 1982) and television continued, with cameo roles until his death. The Globe Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue was renamed (1994) in his honour.
A. S. Hargreaves
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Gielgud, John
