He is renowned as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of his time. He made his debut at the Old Vic 1921, and his numerous stage appearances ranged from roles in works by Chekhov and Sheridan to those of Alan Bennett, Harold Pinter, and David Storey. Gielgud's films include Becket 1964, Oh! What a Lovely War 1969, Providence 1977, Chariots of Fire 1980, and Prospero's Books 1991. He won an Academy Award for his role as a butler in Arthur 1981. Knighted 1953.
