Jack Hawkins (John Edward Hawkins) is a British theater, film, television actor and producer. One of the most popular performers of the 1950s, according to the Motion Picture Herald's annual poll.
The actor was nominated 4 times for the British Academy Award. In 1960 he won an award at the San Sebastian Film Festival for Best Actor in League of Gentlemen.
In the creative biography of the performer, there are more than a hundred roles played on the theatrical stage, in television and film projects. He has also appeared in popular American entertainment programs: The Merv Griffin Show, The Dick Cavett Show, The Golden Gong.
In 1965 and 1972, Hawkins tried himself as a producer, participating in the films "The Party Is Over" and "The Ruling Class".
In 1958, on the birthday of the Queen of England, Hawkins was awarded the CBE - the Order of the British Empire for his special contribution to the drama and development of the country's culture.
The performer's cinematic career lasted over 40 years. His debut on the screen took place in 1930, and Jack played his last role in 1973, shortly before his death.
Biography facts
The boy was born in England in the fall of 1910 in a working class family. His parents gave him the name John Edward. He later took on the stage name Jack when he became a professional actor and began performing on Broadway, acting in films.
The boy received his primary education at Woodside High School. At the age of 8, he was already singing in the school choir, and after 2 years he first appeared on the stage.
The parents tried to give the child a comprehensive education. When they noticed his passion for art and his first serious successes, they decided to send their son to study at the Italia Conti Drama School.
In England, special Christmas plays called pantomimes were prepared for children every year. Jack made his London theater debut at the age of 12, playing the King of the Elves in Where The Rainbow Ends. A few years later, in the same play, he got the main role of St. George.
For the first time on Broadway, the young man appeared at the age of 18, playing a role in the play "End of the Road".
At the outbreak of World War II, Hawkins joined the army and joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers. After completing basic training in a special squad, the young man went to the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC), a training unit run by the British army.
In 1942, the unit, where Jack did his further service, was sent to India. Prior to this, the young man received the rank of lieutenant, and, having arrived in Burma, he became a combat officer. After participating in the battle, he was awarded the rank of captain.
During his service, Jack did not forget about his acting profession. He took part in the work of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), created in 1939 specifically to entertain and raise the morale of the British army. For his participation in the activities of the organization, Hawkins was awarded the rank of major, and at the end of the war - colonel.
Creative way
In the 1930s, the young actor devoted himself entirely to the theater. He has worked with many famous performers, including such celebrities as Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Sybil Thorndike. He has also appeared in leading theaters in England and America.
Hawkins first appeared on the screen in 1930 in the detective "Birds of Prey". Then he played in the films: "Tenant", "Good Companions", "Shot in the Dark", "Royal Divorce", "Closest Relative".
After serving in the army, the actor returned to the stage and played dozens of roles in classical plays, performed at the Shakespearean theater festival and participated in the production of radio plays. The artist also continued to work in cinematography.
In 1948, the actor starred in the detective drama "The Defeated Idol" directed by K. Reed. The film won awards from the British Academy, and was also nominated for awards: "Oscar", "Golden Globe" and the Venice Film Festival.
Hawkins became widely known in 1952 after the release of the war drama Angels One-Five. The film was nominated for an award from the British Academy and received high marks from film critics.
In the same year, the artist starred in the films: "At Home at Seven", "Mehndi", "The Planter's Wife".
Jack gained worldwide fame after playing the leading role of George Erickson in the film "Cruel Sea". For this work he was nominated for a British Academy Award. The film also received an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay.
Hawkins' further career included roles in well-known projects: Land of the Pharaohs, Bridge over the River Kwai, Ben Hur, League of Gentlemen, Lawrence of Arabia, Zulus, Lord Jim, Waterloo, Jane Eyre, Nikolai and Alexandra, Young Winston, Blood Theater.
Personal life
In October 1932, Jack married actress Jessica Tendy. Two years later, a daughter, Susan, was born in the family. The husband and wife lived together for 8 years and divorced in 1940.
The second wife was actress Doreen Lawrence. Jack met her while serving in the army when their special squad was based in India. The wedding took place in October 1947. In this union, three children were born: Caroline, Andrew and Nicholas.
In the winter of 1965, Jack was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent a complex operation and removed his larynx. The actor completely lost his voice, but this did not prevent him from continuing his acting career. In films, his voice was dubbed by R. Rietti and C. Gray.
Hawkins was a heavy smoker. They said that he smoked 3-4 packs a day. After the operation to remove the larynx, he could not part with his bad habit and continued to smoke, however, significantly reducing the number of cigarettes.
In the spring of 1973, Jack underwent another operation to restore his voice with an artificial larynx. A few months later, he started bleeding and the actor was urgently hospitalized. He was rescued, but a month later bleeding reopened, which led to Jack's death in July 1973.
The actor passed away at the age of 62. His body was cremated and his ashes were buried in the Golders Green Crematorium in London.
