Alec Guinness was an English actor known for his impressive performances in films like “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Star Wars.” He was born on April 2, 1914, in Marylebone, London, and passed away on August 5, 2000, in Midhurst, Sussex.
Personal and Family Life
Alec Guinness was married to Merula Salaman from June 20, 1938, until his death in 2000. Together, they had one child, a son named Matthew. His parents were Andrew Geddes and Agnes Cuff. Guinness had a close relationship with his family, which included several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Career Highlights
Guinness is best remembered for his ability to transform into a variety of complex characters. He often appeared as noble leaders and authority figures, collaborating frequently with directors David Lean and Ronald Neame. Notably, he received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and was also recognized for his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original “Star Wars” trilogy.
Death and Legacy
Alec Guinness died on August 5, 2000, due to liver cancer. His contributions to the film industry have left a lasting legacy, as he is celebrated for his versatility as an actor. In 1959, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the arts, reminding audiences of his impact both in cinema and theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Bridge on the River Kwai | 1957-10-11 | Col. Nicholson |
| Doctor Zhivago | 1965-12-22 | Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago |
| Lawrence of Arabia | 1962-12-11 | Prince Feisal |
| The Empire Strikes Back | 1980-05-20 | Obi-Wan Kenobi |
| Return of the Jedi | 1983-05-25 | Ben ‘Obi-Wan’ Kenobi |
| Oliver Twist | 1948-06-28 | Fagin |
| The Ladykillers | 1955-12-08 | Professor Marcus |
| A Passage to India | 1984-12-14 | Professor Godbole |
| Great Expectations | 1946-12-26 | Herbert Pocket |
| Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy | 1979-09-10 | George Smiley |
| Smiley’s People | 1982-09-20 | George Smiley |
| Kind Hearts and Coronets | 1949-06-21 | Multiple Characters |