Richard Ainley was an American actor who is best known for The Frog, Lady with Red Hair, and As You Like It.
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 22, 1910, in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, Richard Ainley was part of a family with strong ties to the theater, being the son of actor Henry Ainley. He had three marriages: first to Ethel Glendinning, then to Betzi Beaton, and finally to Rowena Woolf, with whom he had three children. Throughout his life, he also worked with his brother, Anthony Ainley, who also became a well-known actor.
Career
Richard Ainley made a name for himself as a versatile actor, performing on screen, stage, and radio. He was known for his significant work in British theatre and served as the head of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Although he had a successful career, he retired from acting after suffering serious injuries during his military service.
Death and Legacy
Richard Ainley passed away on May 19, 1967, in Muswell Hill, London, England, due to barbiturate poisoning. His contributions to the performing arts remain recognized, especially for his impactful performances and dedication to his craft. Ainley is remembered not only for his roles but also for his influence on the next generation of actors through his teaching at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Above Suspicion | 1943-05-31 | Peter Galt |
| The Smiling Ghost | 1941-09-06 | Tennant Bentley |
| White Cargo | 1942-12-12 | Mr. Worthing |
| Lady with Red Hair | 1940-11-30 | Lou Payne |
| I Dood It | 1943-09-01 | Larry West |
| Knockout | 1941-03-29 | George Allison |
| Stolen Life | 1939-01-18 | Morgan |
| Shining Victory | 1941-05-30 | Dr. Hale |
| Singapore Woman | 1941-05-17 | John Wetherby |
| Three Hearts for Julia | 1943-05-21 | Philip Barrows |
| Here Comes Happiness | 1941-03-15 | Jelliffe Blaine |
| Passage from Hong Kong | 1941-09-01 | Lt. Norman MacNeil-Fraser |
| Our Fighting Navy | 1937-09-25 | Lieutenant |
| An Englishman’s Home | 1940-01-27 | Geoffrey Brown |
| As You Like It | 1936-09-02 | Sylvius |
| Du Barry was a Lady | 1943-08-13 | Marching Rebel Behind King Louis |
| Bullets for O’Hara | 1941-07-19 | McKay Standish |
| There Ain’t No Justice | 1939-06-17 | Billy Frist |
| Portrait of a Genius | 1943-01-23 | Leonardo da Vinci |
| The Frog | 1937-03-23 | Ray Bennett |