Arthur Howard

Arthur Howard was an American actor best known for his roles in television and film, including “Whack-O!”, “Moonraker”, and “The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins”. He was born on January 18, 1910, in London, England, UK, and passed away on June 18, 1995, in the same city.

Personal and Family Life

Arthur Howard, born Arthur John Stainer, was part of a talented family in the entertainment industry. He was the younger son of Ferdinand Steiner and Lilian Blumberg, and had a brother, Leslie Howard, who was a film actor, and a sister, Irene Howard, who worked as a casting director. Arthur married actress Jean Compton Mackenzie in 1936, and they had a son named Alan Howard, who also became an actor.

Career

Arthur Howard gained popularity as the hapless assistant headmaster Pettigrew in the BBC radio show “Whack-O!”, which later transitioned to television, running from 1956 to 1960. He appeared in several films and television series throughout his career, including roles in “Bottoms Up”, “The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins”, and the James Bond movie “Moonraker”. He was known for his worried demeanor and comedic timing, which made him a familiar face in British cinema and television.

Death and Legacy

Arthur Howard died on June 18, 1995, in London, England. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances in both film and television, and is remembered particularly for his contributions to British comedy. His family, including his brother Leslie and son Alan, continued the tradition of involvement in the arts.

Filmography

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Steptoe & Son1972-03-01Vicar
The Happiest Days of Your Life1950-03-08Anthony Ramsden: Staff of Nutbourne
Moonraker1979-06-26Cavendish
Last Holiday1950-05-15Burden
Hoverbug1969-06-01Mr. Watts
Full Circle1978-02-09Mr. Piggott
The Missionary1982-11-02Fermleigh’s Butler
The Passionate Friends1949-01-26Smith – the Butler
Passport to Pimlico1949-10-26Bassett
The Intruder1953-10-18Bertram Slake
The Man in the White Suit1951-08-07Roberts
Cosh Boy1953-02-01Registrar (uncredited)
The Constant Husband1955-04-21Clerk of the Court
The Shoes of the Fisherman1968-11-14English Cardinal
Another Country1984-06-01Waiter
Les Félins1964-06-12Father Nielson
One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing1975-07-09Thumley
Paradisio1962-01-01Professor Sims
The Lady Is Willing1934-08-10Dr Germont
Bottoms Up!1960-03-25Oliver Pettigrew
Las adolescentes1975-09-09Headmaster
The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins1971-11-01Kenneth (segment “Wrath”)
State Secret1950-09-11Clubman
Rockets Galore1958-10-19Meeching
I Accuse!1958-03-05Captain Lauth
Law and Disorder1958-06-09Burrows
Calling Bulldog Drummond1951-07-02McIver’s Assistant (uncredited)
Will Any Gentleman…?1953-08-25Mr. Coding
Libel1959-10-23Car Salesman
The Film That Never Was1957-01-02
Lady L1965-12-17Butler
Trail of the Pink Panther1982-12-03Arthur, Bruno’s butler
Frieda1947-06-19First Official
Ladies Who Do1963-11-01Chauffeur
The Belles of St. Trinian’s1954-09-28Wilfred Woodley
Watch It, Sailor!1961-08-14Vicar
The Glass Cage1955-04-15Rutland
The Private Life of Henry VIII1933-08-17Kitchen Helper (uncredited)
The Prisoner of Zenda1979-08-17