Felix Aylmer

Felix Aylmer was a British actor, best known for his roles in “Henry V,” “Oh Brother!,” and “Quo Vadis.” He had a long career in both stage and film, recognized for his distinctive voice and elderly characters.

Personal and Family Life

Felix Aylmer was born on February 21, 1889, in Corsham, Wiltshire, England. He was married to Cecily Byrne from September 1915 until her death in June 1975, and they had two children together. Aylmer received his education at Oxford University and later studied drama, which paved the way for his successful acting career.

Career Highlights

Aylmer made his stage debut at the London Coliseum in 1911 and continued to work in theatre until World War I, where he served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. After the war, he returned to acting, transitioning into film in 1930. He became particularly known for his portrayal of elderly characters, most notably the Archbishop of Canterbury in Laurence Olivier’s “Henry V” released in 1944.

Death and Legacy

Felix Aylmer passed away on September 2, 1979, in Pyrford, Woking, Surrey, England, due to natural causes. His contribution to film and theatre has left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans of classic cinema. Aylmer is remembered for his profound impact on British acting and his ability to bring depth to his characters.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Exodus 1960-12-15 Dr. Lieberman
The Case of the Frightened Lady 1940-09-28 Dr. Amersham
Quo Vadis 1951-11-08 Plautius
The Road to Hong Kong 1962-03-29 Grand Lama
Ivanhoe 1952-07-31 Isaac
Night Train to Munich 1940-08-31 Dr. Fredericks
Separate Tables 1958-12-18 Mr. Fowler
Becket 1964-03-11 Archbishop of Canterbury
As You Like It 1936-09-02 Duke Frederick
Prince of Foxes 1949-11-11 Marc Antonio Verano
Bank Holiday 1938-01-27 Dr. Nichols
Anastasia 1956-12-13 Chamberlain
The Shadow 1933-03-02 Sir Richard Bryant
The Chalk Garden 1964-04-02 Judge McWhirrey
Never Take Sweets from a Stranger 1960-03-04 Clarence Olderberry Sr.
The Mummy 1959-08-01 Stephen Banning
The Hands of Orlac 1960-12-01 Dr. Francis Cochrane
Seven Sinners 1936-06-01 Sir Charles Webber
Knights of the Round Table 1953-12-22 Merlin
Your Witness 1950-03-06 The British Judge
The Citadel 1938-10-29 Mr. Boon
Hostile Witness 1968-11-01 Justice Osborne
The Years Between 1946-07-08 Sir Ernest Foster
Saint Joan 1957-05-08 Inquisitor
Alice au pays des Merveilles 1949-05-13 Dr. Liddel / The Cheshire Cat (voice)
The Running Man 1963-10-01 Parson
The Two-Headed Spy 1958-11-17 Cornaz
The Ghost of St. Michael’s 1941-04-01 Dr Winter
Time Flies 1944-05-08 The Professor
The Ghosts of Berkeley Square 1947-10-30 Colonel “Bulldog” Kelsoe
Dusty Ermine 1936-12-01 Police Commissioner
The Black Sheep of Whitehall 1942-02-23 Crabtree
The Doctor’s Dilemma 1959-01-01 Sir Patrick Cullen
The Ghost Camera 1933-01-31 Coroner
The Peterville Diamond 1943-01-11 The President
I Accuse! 1958-03-05 Edgar Demange
The Demi-Paradise 1943-11-18 Mr. Runalow
Mr. Emmanuel 1944-08-02 Mr. Emmanuel
Green Fingers 1947-06-02 Daniel Booth
The Ace of Spades 1935-02-09 Lord Yardleigh
The Rat