Stewart Granger was an American actor known for his roles in films like “The Prisoner of Zenda,” “Scaramouche,” and “North to Alaska.” He was born James Lablache Stewart in Kensington, London, England, and had a notable career in both British and American cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Stewart Granger was born on May 6, 1913, to James Stewart and Frederica Eliza Stewart. He had three marriages, first to Elspeth March, with whom he had two children, and then to Jean Simmons, with whom he had one child. His last marriage was to Viviane Caroline LeCerf, which lasted from 1964 to 1969. Granger had a total of four children, including Samantha, Jamie, Lindsey, and Tracy.
Career Highlights
Granger’s acting career began in the theater before moving to films during World War II. He quickly gained fame for his dashing hero roles in British films, particularly with Gainsborough Pictures. Though he found success, he often felt typecast and expressed discontent with the leading roles he was offered. His marriage to fellow actress Jean Simmons faced challenges due to competing careers, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1960.
Death and Legacy
Stewart Granger passed away on August 16, 1993, in Santa Monica, California, due to prostate cancer. Despite his frustrations with Hollywood, he left behind a legacy of notable performances in film and television. His autobiography, “Sparks Fly Upward,” reflects his perspective on the challenges of fame and the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| North to Alaska | 1960-11-07 | George Pratt |
| The Wild Geese | 1978-06-28 | Sir Edward Matherson |
| Caesar and Cleopatra | 1945-12-11 | Apollodorus |
| Scaramouche | 1952-05-08 | Andre Moreau |
| The Prisoner of Zenda | 1952-11-04 | Rudolf Rassendyll / King Rudolf V |
| Young Bess | 1953-05-29 | Thomas Seymour |
| The Man in Grey | 1943-08-06 | Swinton Rokeby / Peter Rokeby |
| The Hound of the Baskervilles | 1972-02-12 | Sherlock Holmes |