Ronald Colman was a British-American actor who is best known for A Double Life, The Prisoner of Zenda, and Lost Horizon.
Personal and Family Life
Ronald Charles Colman was born on February 9, 1891, in Richmond, Surrey, England. He was raised in a well-off family; his father was a successful silk merchant. Colman initially wanted to study engineering at Cambridge, but his father’s passing changed his plans. He was married twice, first to Thelma Raye, and later to actress Benita Hume, with whom he had a daughter named Juliet Benita Colman.
Career
Colman started his career in amateur theatre while attending boarding school. After the First World War, he found success in London’s theatre scene before moving to New York, where he starred in Broadway productions. His breakthrough in films came with The White Sister in 1923, leading to a successful Hollywood career characterized by his rich voice and sophisticated roles. He starred in many memorable films and won an Academy Award for A Double Life.
Death and Legacy
Ronald Colman passed away on May 19, 1958, in Santa Barbara, California, due to emphysema. He is remembered as one of the great stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for his unique voice and charming performances. His influence remains in classic cinema, and he left behind a significant film legacy despite his passing.