Hugh Griffith - Definition

Hugh Emrys Griffith (May 30, 1912 – May 14, 1980) was a film actor. He was born in Marian Glas, Anglesey, Wales.

Griffith was educated in local schools and attempted to gain entrance to the university, but failed the English examination. He was then urged to make a career in banking. He became a bank clerk and transferred to London to be closer to acting opportunities. Just as he was making progress and gained admission to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he had to suspend his plans in order to serve in the army in India and Burma during World War II. He resumed his acting career in 1947.

Griffith began his film career in British films during the late 1940s, and by the 1950s was also appearing in Hollywood films.

He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Ben-Hur (1959), and received a second nomination for his role in Tom Jones (1963).

He received an honorary degree from the University of Wales in Bangor in 1980.

He died in London.

Some films with Hugh Griffith

• Neutral Port (1940)
• The Last Days of Dolwyn (1949)
• The Titfield thunderbolt (1953)
• The Sleeping Tiger (1954)
• Exodus (1960)
• Moll Flanders (1965)
• Sailor from Gibraltar
• Start the Revolution Without Me (1970)
• Cry of the Banshee
• Wuthering Heights
• Loving Cousins
• The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978)
• The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977)
• The Passover Plot
• Tom Jones (1963)
• Ben-Hur (1959)
• Oliver (1968)
• Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
• Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)