John Gielgud is a famous English film and theater actor who brilliantly embodied the images of Shakespeare's heroes. His game is still considered the benchmark. Gielgud took place as a theater director, on whose account there are many interesting and original works.
Childhood and youth
The biography of the future star of the English scene began in 1904. Arthur John Gielgud was born on April 14 in London. The boy's father belonged to an old Lithuanian noble family, his mother was the niece of the famous Ellen Terry and the cousin of the opera singer and director Gordon Craig. This combination could not but affect the boy's life: from his parents he received a noble aristocratic appearance and creative inclinations.
Acting talent manifested itself early: even in early childhood, Arthur willingly read poetry in front of an audience, easily memorized dramatic monologues and acted them out in faces. After graduating from school, the young man entered the theater school, and a year later he transferred to the prestigious academy of theatrical art. Gielgud studied quite successfully, showing a special penchant for roles from Shakespeare's plays.
The long-awaited debut took place in 1921. Seventeen-year-old Arthur took the stage as the Herald. The audience appreciated the talent of the young man and his spectacular appearance. The criticism was also supportive: the reviews noted that the young actor manages to fully convey the atmosphere of Shakespeare's theater and literally get used to the characters.
Career development
Roles from Shakespeare's plays became iconic for Gielgud. Considered the consummate Romeo, Hamlet and Richard II, he has embodied these images on the stage of London's most famous theaters. Especially the audience remembered the role of Sir John at the Shakespeare Memorial Theater in Stradford on Avon.
Among the favorite characters were Chekhov's heroes. Critics wrote enthusiastic reviews about his incarnation of Petit in Chekhov's Cherry Orchard, Treplev in The Seagull, Vershinin in the play Three Sisters. Gielgud himself noted that the Russian classics were not easy for him, but working on complex characters was extremely interesting.
In 1932, Sir John decided to try himself in the role of director. He began with Shakespeare: the premiere work was the play "Romeo and Juliet", staged at the University Theater of Oxford. In the post-war period, Gielgud devoted more and more attention to directing, practically not appearing on the stage. Among the most significant works were the Russian classics: the performances "The Cherry Orchard" and "Crime and Punishment". In 1953, the work of the actor was noted by Queen Elizabeth II: on the occasion of the coronation, Arthur John Gielgud was knighted.
Sir John's talents and his unusual appearance were in demand in the cinema. The actor worked with outstanding directors of his time: Alain Rene, Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Lumet, Peter Greenaway, David Lynch. John Gielgud considered his best and favorite work the role of a writer in the film "Ghost". Despite the success with the public and critics, Gielgud treated his roles in films with some disdain, believing that they could not be compared with theatrical ones. Sir John starred until 2000, in his piggy bank not only the main and secondary roles, but also participation in episodes. The actor always believed that the main thing for him is professional demand, it is in it that the key to success and creative longevity is.
Last years
Gilgud was lucky: his career was not interrupted until the very last days. The actor has always been in demand. He received his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 76. In the personal piggy bank of Gielgud Golden Globe, BAFTA, Grammy, Emmy and Tony. He is considered the only male actor to receive all 6 of the most prestigious acting awards: this record has not yet been broken. Another honorary award is the Order of Merit, presented by Queen Elizabeth II. Gielgud's acting talent is recognized abroad: he received the "Imperial Prize" of Japan.
The actor also managed to realize his writing talent. He published 4 autobiographical books, where he spoke in detail about his contemporaries and theatrical environment.
Sir John's life has been long. He passed away at the age of 96. The actor had no direct heirs, all of his property was sold at auction. The most valuable lots were an extensive collection of paintings and some memorable souvenirs.
Personal life
Gielgud had many fans who were attracted not only by the unconditional talent and success of the actor, but also by his exquisite appearance. However, women were never interested in John. There were persistent rumors about his homosexuality, which the actor did not refute, but did not confirm either. John Gielgud lived at a time when such deviations from the norm were completely denied by society. The morals in the theatrical environment were quite free, but it was impossible to openly declare one's homosexuality. Any hint of scandal could end a successful acting career. Several episodes, in which Gielgud was a participant, did not leave the theater and did not become the property of the press.
For obvious reasons, the actor was not married and did not have children. He maintained a relationship with Martin Hensler for over 30 years, but hid this relationship until the death of his partner. According to rumors, it was his homosexuality that contributed to Gielgud's transition from the stage to the cinema and to Hollywood. The new job helped to cope with depression and open up new facets of her talent.
