Trevor Howard was a British actor, best known for his roles in Brief Encounter, The Third Man, and Mutiny on the Bounty. He had a successful career in film and stage, captivating audiences with his distinct gravelly voice and commanding screen presence.
Personal and Family Life
Trevor Wallace Howard-Smith was born on September 29, 1913, in Cliftonville, Kent, England. Raised by a mother who traveled often, he experienced a somewhat nomadic childhood. He studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), encouraged by his mother. Howard married Helen Cherry on September 8, 1944, and remained married until his death in 1988.
Career
Howard’s acting career began with small parts in films during the 1940s, but he gained fame with the film Brief Encounter in 1945, where he portrayed Dr. Alec Harvey. This role established him as a prominent actor, known for his intense performances in various genres, including crime dramas and war films. Despite some struggles with typecasting, Howard excelled in playing authoritative and complex characters throughout his career.
Death and Legacy
Trevor Howard passed away on January 7, 1988, at the age of 74 from complications related to influenza and bronchitis. He left behind a respected legacy as one of the great British actors of his time, known for his versatile roles and strong performances on both stage and screen.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhi | 1982-12-01 | Judge Broomfield |
| Brief Encounter | 1945-11-24 | Dr. Alec Harvey |
| The Third Man | 1949-08-31 | Major Calloway |
| Superman | 1978-12-14 | 1st Elder |
| Around the World in Eighty Days | 1956-10-17 | Denis Fallentin |
| Ludwig | 1973-03-07 | Richard Wagner |
| Triple Cross | 1966-12-09 | Freddie Young (Distinguished Civilian) |
| The Count of Monte-Cristo | 1975-10-31 | Abbé Faria |
| Mutiny on the Bounty | 1962-11-08 | Capt. William Bligh |
| Father Goose | 1964-12-10 | Commander Frank Houghton |
| Sword of the Valiant: The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight | 1984-08-17 | The King |
| Von Ryan’s Express | 1965-06-23 | Major Eric Fincham |
| Battle of Britain | 1969-09-15 | Air Vice Marshal Keith Park |
| Kidnapped | 1971-12-22 | Lord Advocate |
| The Offence | 1973-01-11 | Lieutenant Cartwright, Detective Superintendant |