Kenneth Fortescue was a British actor who is best known for his roles in ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ ‘The Mirror Crack’d,’ and ‘Desert Mice.’
Personal and Family Life
Kenneth Fortescue was born on June 8, 1931, in Kew, Surrey, England. He attended Dulwich College and later studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. During his time at RADA, he earned the BBC Special Prize, which allowed him to perform in radio plays.
Career
Fortescue made his stage debut in ‘The Tempest’ and went on to act in various repertory companies across England. He gained notable roles in light comedy films during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over time, he transitioned to character roles as the film industry began to favor a different style of leading man.
Death and Legacy
Kenneth Fortescue passed away on March 21, 1985, in Kensington, London. His last screen performance was in ‘The Mirror Crack’d,’ which paid homage to the earlier British cinema he had been part of. Despite not being a household name, he left a mark with his distinct characters throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Brides of Fu Manchu | 1966-12-16 | Sergeant Spicer |
| How to Murder a Rich Uncle | 1957-06-01 | Albert Clitterbern |
| High Flight | 1957-09-17 | John Fletcher |
| Don’t Bother to Knock | 1961-05-28 | Ian |
| Lawrence of Arabia | 1962-12-11 | Allenby’s Aide (uncredited) |
| Tank Force! | 1958-04-22 | Cpl. Johnson |
| Desert Mice | 1959-01-05 | Peter Ribston |
| The Mirror Crack’d | 1980-09-19 | Charles Foxwell (“Murder at Midnight”) |
| The Best of Enemies | 1961-10-26 | Lt. Thomlinson |
| Petticoat Pirates | 1961-11-01 | Paul Turner |
| Pity About the Abbey | 1965-07-29 | Arnold Fitzgerald |
| Sword of Honour | 1967-01-02 | Frank de Souza |