Sir John Gielgud stands as a monumental figure in the history of theatre and film, his career spanning an impressive 64 years. From his early theatrical debut in 1924 to his final performances on screen shortly before his death, John Gielgud captivated audiences with his unique talent and dedication to his craft. He is particularly celebrated for his Shakespearean roles, with many considering him the definitive Hamlet of not just his generation, but the entire 20th century. His remarkable career earned him accolades across stage and screen, including a Tony Award for his Broadway show “The Ages of Man” and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Arthur.
Born Arthur John Gielgud on April 14, 1904, in London, John Gielgud was born into a family deeply connected to the performing arts. His Polish heritage on his father’s side and strong theatrical lineage on his mother’s side, the Terry-Gielgud family, set the stage for his destiny. His mother, Kate Terry, belonged to the famed Terry acting family, and his ancestry boasted notable figures such as the Polish Shakespearean actress Aniela Aszperger and the celebrated English actress Ellen Terry, his great-aunt. This rich family history undoubtedly influenced John Gielgud’s early aspirations and provided a strong foundation for his future success in the world of acting.
Alt text: Young John Gielgud portrait, early career image of the distinguished Shakespearean actor.
John Gielgud’s journey into acting began during his formative years. He attended Hillside prep school, where he first tasted the stage, portraying characters like Shylock and Humpty Dumpty. This early exposure ignited his passion for performance, which he further pursued at Westminster School in London. His fascination with the arts extended beyond theatre; he was known to skip school to attend performances of the Diaghilev Ballet, demonstrating a broad appreciation for artistic expression. At just 17, John Gielgud made his professional debut at the Old Vic in 1921, taking on the role of a French herald in Henry V, marking the official commencement of his illustrious acting career. Further honing his skills, he studied at Lady Benson’s Dramatic Academy and later at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), solidifying his commitment to the craft.
His early career saw him steadily climb the theatrical ladder. In 1924, John Gielgud secured his first significant role as Trofimov in Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. That same year, he understudied Noel Coward in The Vortex and The Constant Nymph, eventually taking over these roles and gaining further recognition. It was during The Constant Nymph that John Gielgud’s personal life took a significant turn when he met John Perry. Perry, an actor with a minor role, and Gielgud fell in love, leading Perry to leave his acting career to be with Gielgud. This period also saw Gielgud joining J. B. Fagan’s company, performing in Oxford and London’s West End, further establishing his presence in the professional theatre scene.
Alt text: John Gielgud Hamlet performance, classic image of the celebrated actor in his signature role.
The year 1929 marked a pivotal moment in John Gielgud’s career when Lilian Baylis invited him to join the Old Vic. Over the next two seasons, he tackled major roles in repertory, cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent. It was during the 1929-30 season that John Gielgud first played Hamlet, a role that would define his legacy. His portrayal was groundbreaking, as he was the first actor under 40 to take on the part in the West End. Laurence Olivier famously described John Gielgud’s voice as “The Voice that Wooed the World,” and his interpretation of Hamlet, characterized by its speed and intellectual depth, revolutionized the role. Throughout his career, John Gielgud revisited Hamlet, refining his performance and earning widespread acclaim as the Hamlet of his generation and arguably the 20th century, often compared only to John Barrymore’s stage rendition. Alongside Hamlet, his Richard II also became iconic, solidifying his position as England’s leading Shakespearean actor.
John Gielgud’s impact extended beyond performance; he was also an innovator in theatre management. Inspired by his performances, the playwright “Gordon Daviot” (Elizabeth MacKintosh) wrote Richard of Bordeaux specifically for him. John Gielgud not only starred in but also directed the play, which became a massive commercial success, transforming him into a household name. This success allowed him to produce classic plays in the West End and pioneer the theatre company system. John Gielgud actively fostered the careers of emerging actors, including future luminaries such as Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans, and Richard Burton. His mentorship of Richard Burton, particularly in The Lady’s Not for Burning, helped launch Burton’s career.
Despite his professional achievements, John Gielgud was known for his intense focus on his work, sometimes to the point of being oblivious to the world around him. An anecdote shared by Beverley Nichols illustrates this perfectly: during a time of looming war in 1939, Gielgud returned preoccupied, not with the threat of global conflict, but with negative reviews for Gladys Cooper’s performance.
John Gielgud’s personal life faced public scrutiny in 1953 when he was arrested for soliciting a homosexual act. This event occurred at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK. Despite the public humiliation and fear of career repercussions, John Gielgud received immense support from the theatre community. Figures like Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson rallied around him, and his brother Val Gielgud played a crucial role in ensuring continued support from his agency. Remarkably, when John Gielgud returned to the stage after the scandal, he was met with a standing ovation, demonstrating the audience’s unwavering respect and admiration for his talent.
Alt text: John Gielgud Oscar win, image of the distinguished actor accepting the Academy Award for Arthur.
In the later stages of his career, John Gielgud adapted to the changing theatrical landscape. While his 1950s King Lear was not as well-received, he continued to evolve. He created the solo recital The Ages of Man, which became a resounding success, earning him a special Tony Award on Broadway in 1958. He also began to explore contemporary roles, appearing in films like The Charge of the Light Brigade and plays by Alan Bennett and Harold Pinter, showcasing his versatility. This career resurgence culminated in his Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor in Arthur (1981), proving his enduring appeal and talent across different mediums. Despite appearing in around 80 films, John Gielgud always considered the stage his true home. His most memorable film roles include Cassius in Julius Caesar and Clarence in Richard III, both adaptations of Shakespearean works, highlighting his continued connection to classical theatre.
John Gielgud’s personal life found lasting happiness with Martin Hensler, whom he met in the 1960s. They became partners and remained together for over 30 years until John Gielgud’s death. Although his 1953 arrest remained a part of his public history, John Gielgud largely kept his private life out of the spotlight. It was only in the program notes for his final play, Best of Friends in 1988, that his long-term relationship with Hensler was publicly acknowledged, albeit without significant press attention.
John Gielgud passed away on May 21, 2000, at the age of 96 at his country home in Buckinghamshire. Tributes poured in from around the world, recognizing his immense contribution to theatre and film. The lights of the Gielgud Theatre and other West End theatres were dimmed in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man often hailed as the greatest Shakespearean actor of the century. His legacy continues to inspire actors and theatre enthusiasts alike. As Benedict Nightingale wrote, John Gielgud was “the most vocally exquisite, intellectually elegant and spiritually fine” among the trio of theatrical knights, alongside Olivier and Richardson. Sir Peter Hall summarized his influence succinctly: “He single-handedly put English theatre back on the map.” John Gielgud’s dedication to his craft, his innovative spirit, and his profound impact on British theatre and cinema ensure his place as a true legend of the performing arts.
