Charles Laughton was an American actor known for his roles in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Mutiny on the Bounty,” and “Witness for the Prosecution.” He was born on July 1, 1899, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, and later became a prominent figure in both stage and film.
Personal and Family Life
Charles Laughton was born to hotel owners Eliza and Robert Laughton. He received education at the esteemed Stonyhurst and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he won a gold medal. Laughton married actress Elsa Lanchester in 1929, and they remained together until his death in 1962.
Career Highlights
Laughton had a successful career in theater and film, known for his commanding voice and ability to play complex characters. He was typecast as arrogant roles early on, prominently portraying King Henry VIII and Captain Bligh. Laughton also founded his film company, Mayflower Pictures Corp., in 1937, contributing significantly to cinema.
Death and Legacy
Charles Laughton passed away on December 15, 1962, in Hollywood, California, due to gall bladder cancer. He left behind a rich legacy of performances that are still celebrated today. His work continues to influence actors and filmmakers, highlighting his importance in cinematic history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Spartacus | 1960-10-13 | Sempronius Gracchus |
| Island of Lost Souls | 1932-12-24 | Dr. Moreau |
| The Old Dark House | 1932-10-20 | Sir William Porterhouse |
| The Paradine Case | 1947-12-31 | Judge Lord Thomas Horfield |
| Jamaica Inn | 1939-05-11 | Sir Humphrey Pengallan |
| The Suspect | 1945-01-31 | Philip Marshall |
| The Bribe | 1949-02-03 | J.J. Bealer |
| Mutiny on the Bounty | 1935-11-22 | Captaine Bligh |
| It Started with Eve | 1941-09-26 | Jonathan Reynolds |
| Tales of Manhattan | 1942-08-05 | Charles Smith |
| Salome | 1953-03-24 | King Herod |
| Hobson’s Choice | 1954-04-19 | Henry Horatio Hobson |
| Witness for the Prosecution | 1957-12-17 | Sir Wilfrid Robarts |
| The Hunchback of Notre Dame | 1939-12-29 | The Hunchback Quasimodo |
| The Barretts of Wimpole Street | 1934-09-21 | Edward Moulton-Barrett |
| Les Misérables | 1935-04-20 | Inspector Emile Javert |
| Forever and a Day | 1943-01-21 | Bellamy |