SIR ANTHONY QUAYLESir Anthony Quayle, who died on 20 October, 1989, will long be remembered for his memorable acting performances, both on the stage and on film.After a decorated military career came to an end, in the aftermath of the Second World War, he went on to appear in many notable film and stage productions, in a career that spanned 50 years.He came to be recognised as a fine character actor, appearing across virtually all genres throughout his career, including much television and spoken word work.Quayle specialised in playing authority figures, with a hint of weakness in their character – his brilliance as an actor epitomised by his willingness to discard his identity in the pursuit of another’s.John Anthony Quayle was born on 7 September, 1913, in Ainsdale on Merseyside. He was the son of a solicitor.Upon finishing school, Sir Anthony moved to London and enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His career was put on hold due during the Second World War, when he served as a spy in Albania.He rose to the rank of Major for his work in the war effort but when the war ended he soon returned to acting. However, his experience during the war served him well when he went on to play memorable roles in a number of war films, notably ‘The Battle Of The River Plate’ & ‘The Guns Of Navarone’.His first marriage, to Hermione Hannen, ended acrimoniously in 1941, but after the war he found lasting happiness with Dorothy Hysen, whom he married in 1947. They remained together until his passing.While his film debut had come as early in 1935, his career did not take off until he had served as manager of the Shakespeare Theatre Company between 1948 and 1956.From his days at the Old Vic, before the war, he had become good friends with Sir Alec Guinness, they then went on to appear in a number of films together.He also went onto appear in some of the best known films of the 1960’s including ‘Lawrence Of Arabia’, ‘The Fall Of The Roman Empire’ & ‘Anne Of The Thousand Days’, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.In 1985 he was named a Knight of the Realm, in acknowledgement of both his military service and also his services to acting.During his later life he began writing his memoirs but was unable to finish. After a long struggle with liver cancer, he passed away in London.However he left a lasting legacy, which will endure for many years to come, thanks to his versatility and chameleon-like ability to seamlessly play a part in any genre.Appearances in some of the most famous films of all time will no doubt ensure that Anthony Quayle will never be forgotten. While never a leading man in his own right, his ability to support others and believably play a part, were second to very few.
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