Donald Wolfit(1902-1968)
- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
One of the great British stage actors of his era Donald Wolfit was
noted for his magnificent portrayals of King Lear and Tamburlaine. Yet
no actor of his generation was surrounded by more controversy. He was
temperamental and difficult to deal with, enraged by criticism and
tyrannical with the companies he led.
Although his talent was never in any doubt, critics often condemned his
companies' poor supporting players and tasteless costumes. Even in
death he had his critics.
Wolfit appeared in numerous theatre seasons at the Old Vic and
Stratford-upon-Avon but preferred the life of a touring player and as
the star of a vagabond troupe. He also appeared in many films and
television plays. One of his most barnstorming performances was in the
title role of the film Svengali (1954)
in which, with his hypnotic real-life stare, he puts
Hildegard Knef into a permanent trance.
The money from his film work helped to finance many of his stage
productions. Wolfit is best remembered today as the inspiration for the
film The Dresser (1983), in which
Albert Finney plays a barnstorming
actor-manager.
noted for his magnificent portrayals of King Lear and Tamburlaine. Yet
no actor of his generation was surrounded by more controversy. He was
temperamental and difficult to deal with, enraged by criticism and
tyrannical with the companies he led.
Although his talent was never in any doubt, critics often condemned his
companies' poor supporting players and tasteless costumes. Even in
death he had his critics.
Wolfit appeared in numerous theatre seasons at the Old Vic and
Stratford-upon-Avon but preferred the life of a touring player and as
the star of a vagabond troupe. He also appeared in many films and
television plays. One of his most barnstorming performances was in the
title role of the film Svengali (1954)
in which, with his hypnotic real-life stare, he puts
Hildegard Knef into a permanent trance.
The money from his film work helped to finance many of his stage
productions. Wolfit is best remembered today as the inspiration for the
film The Dresser (1983), in which
Albert Finney plays a barnstorming
actor-manager.