Alec Clunes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alec Clunes | |
| Born | 17 May 1912 Brixton, London |
|---|---|
| Died | 13 March 1970 (aged 57) London |
Alec Clunes (born Alexander S. D. Clunes; 17 May 1912 Brixton, London – 13 March 1970 London) was an English actor-manager.
He was born into a showbusiness family, the son of Alexander Sydenham Sherriff Clunes and Georgina Ada Sumner . He began his stage career with Ben Greet's company, before playing at the Old Vic theatre. He played numerous Shakespearian roles, before taking over the management of the Arts Theatre, London in 1942, where he remained until 1950. Among the plays he presented were Christopher Fry's famous play The Lady's Not For Burning. He gave the actor and dramatist Sir Peter Ustinov his first break with his production The House of Regrets.
His film career was brief, but varied. He played Hastings in Laurence Olivier's Richard III (1956), and also appeared in wartime films such as One of Our Aircraft is Missing (1942).
Clunes later stage work included succeeding Sir Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins in the stage musical My Fair Lady in 1959. His final stage appearance was in 1968.
Off stage, he was an intellectual man, widely read with a deep knowledge of theatre tradition. A theatrical great, who was often compared with his contemporaries Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir John Gielgud.
He was twice married:
He died from lung cancer in 1970, aged 57. He left a widow and a son, the actor Martin Clunes.
[edit] Notable TV Guest Appearances
- Undermind playing "Police Sergeant" in episode: "Onset of Fear" (episode # 1.1) 24 April 1968
- The Ronnie Barker Playhouse playing "Peregrine" in episode: "The Incredible Mister Tanner" (episode # 1.4) 24 April 1968
In addition to these, Clunes was offered the lead part of Professor Bernard Quatermass in the famous BBC science-fiction serial Quatermass and the Pit in 1958. He declined the offer, and André Morell was cast instead.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Murray, Andy (2006). Into the Unknown: The Fantastic Life of Nigel Kneale (paperback), London: Headpress, p. 67. ISBN 1-900486-50-4.
