George Arliss

George Arliss was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Disraeli,” “The House of Rothschild,” and “Doctor Syn.” He was celebrated for his impactful performances and won the first Academy Award given to a British actor.

Personal and Family Life

George Arliss was born on April 10, 1868, in London, England. He married Florence Arliss on September 14, 1899, and they remained together until his death. Arliss was known for his significant contributions to the arts, including discovering and promoting actress Bette Davis.

Career Achievements

Arliss began his acting career on stage in London and later moved to the United States. He gained fame in films, especially for his portrayal of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in the 1929 film “Disraeli,” which earned him an Academy Award. He was also the first actor to win an Oscar for a performance of a real person.

Death and Legacy

George Arliss passed away on February 5, 1946, in London due to a bronchial ailment. His legacy as one of the pioneering actors in early cinema endures, particularly through his iconic roles and achievements in film history.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Doctor Syn 1937-08-25 Dr Syn
Disraeli 1929-11-01 Benjamin Disraeli
The House of Rothschild 1934-04-07 Mayer Rothschild
The Working Man 1933-04-20 John Reeves alias John Walton
The Green Goddess 1930-02-13 The Raja
The Man Who Played God 1932-02-09 Montgomery Royle
A Successful Calamity 1932-09-17 Henry Wilton
The King’s Vacation 1933-02-25 Phillip, the King
The Last Gentleman 1934-04-27 Cabot Barr
Voltaire 1933-08-05 Voltaire
The Millionaire 1931-05-01 James Alden
Alexander Hamilton 1931-09-12 Alexander Hamilton
His Lordship 1936-11-12 Richard Fraser / Lorimer, Lord Duncaster
Old English 1930-08-12 Sylvanus Heythorp
Cardinal Richelieu 1935-04-18 Cardinal Richelieu
The Devil 1921-01-17 Dr. Müller
The Iron Duke 1934-11-30
The Tunnel 1935-10-27 Prime Minister of Great Britain
The Green Goddess 1923-08-13 Rajah of Rukh
Der ewige Jude 1940-11-28 Mayer Rothschild (archive footage) (uncredited)
The Guv’nor 1935-10-01 François Rothschild aka The Guv’nor
East Meets West 1936-08-26 Sultan of Rungay
Disraeli 1921-08-21 Benjamin Disraeli
Cavalcade of the Academy Awards 1940-07-31 Self (archive footage)
Twenty Dollars a Week 1924-04-12
The Voice That Thrilled the World 1943-10-16 Self (segment ‘Disraeli’) (archive footage)
And the Oscar Goes To… 2014-02-01 Self (archive footage)
The Man Who Played God 1922-10-01 Montgomery Royle
The Ruling Passion 1922-01-22
Going Hollywood: The ’30s 1984-01-01 Self (archive footage)
Impressions of Disraeli 1931-07-21 Benjamin Disraeli
Land of Liberty 1939-06-15 Alexander Hamilton (edited from ‘Alexander Hamilton’)