Charles Laughton
(1899-1962)

Died aged c. 63

Charles Laughton (1 July 1899 – 15 December 1962) was a British-American actor. He was trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and first appeared professionally on the stage in 1926. In 1927, he was cast in a play with his future wife Elsa Lanchester, with whom he lived and worked until his death. He played a wide range of classical and modern parts, making an impact in Shakespeare at the Old Vic. His film career took him to Broadway and then Hollywood, but he also collaborated with Alexander Korda on notable British films of the era, including The Private Life of Henry VIII, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the title character. He portrayed everything from monsters and misfits to kings. Among Laughton's biggest film hits were The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Mutiny on the Bounty, Ruggles of Red Gap, Jamaica Inn, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Big Clock, and Witness for the Prosecution. Daniel Day-Lewis cited Laughton as one of his inspirations, saying: "He was probably the greatest film actor who came from that period of time. He had something quite remarkable. His generosity as an actor; he fed himself into that work. As an actor, you cannot take your eyes off him." In his later career, he took up stage directing, notably in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, and George Bernard Shaw's Don Juan in Hell, in which he also starred. He directed one film, the thriller The Night of the Hunter, which after an initially disappointing reception is acclaimed today as a film classic.

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Commemorated on 5 plaques

Charles Laughton 1899-1962 Actor lived here 1928-1931

15 Percy Street, Camden, W1, London, United Kingdom where they lived (1928-1931)

Charles Laughton 1899-1962 actor was born in this hotel July 1st 1899

The Victoria, Westborough, Scarborough, United Kingdom where they was

Centenary Of Cinema 1996 #088

Charles Laughton in The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933) [full inscription unknown]

Elstree Film Studios, Borehamwood, United Kingdom where they was

Charles Laughton Actor & Film Director Love Lived Here 1928-1931

15 Percy Street Fitzrovia, London, United Kingdom where they lived (1928-1931)

The Olympic Cinema This was built as Byfeld Hall in 1906, on the site of Byfield House, the 17th century residence of a former Governor of St Helena. The hall was a cinema and a theatre; Charles Laughton, John Gielgud and Claude Rains first trod the boards here. In 1966 it became a famous recording studio where The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Madonna, Massive Attack and many more recorded. U2 were the last to record here in 2009. It has reverted to its former use as a cinema once again. The Homestead (to the left) is 18th century, but the cottage next door is later

Church Rd, Barnes, London, United Kingdom where they was