HWOF

Born George Augustus Andrews, Arliss began his stage career in 1886 at age 18 as a actor in the English Provinces. By 1900, he was acting professionally in London’s West End. He embarked for a tour of America in 1901 in Mrs. Patrick Campbell’s troupe. Intending to remain in the U.S. only for the length of the tour. He ended up staying for two decades, appearing in many Broadway productions and, later, silent films. Onstage, Arliss established himself in historical roles or as eminent statesmen, kings, rajahs, eccentric millionaires, etc. He transferred these talents to film and unexpectedly became a major star.

At age 53, he debuted on film in The Devil (1921), in which he had appeared onstage in 1906. Also in 1921, Arliss reprised his stage work in the title role of the silent film Disraeli; he later won an Academy Award (becoming the first British actor to do so) for his work in the sound version of the same play (1929). Arliss is also the author of three autobiographies: On the Stage (1926), Up the Years from Bloomsbury (1927), and My Ten Years in the Studios (1940).

• Born: George Augustus Andrews 10 April 1868 London, England, UK
• Died: 5 February 1946 (aged 77) London, England, UK
• Occupation: Actor, author, playwright, filmmaker
• Years active: 1887–1943
• Spouse: Florence Arliss (1899-1946)

Read more about George Arliss at Wikipedia or at the Internet Movie Database

PLAYBILL VAULT'S Today In Theatre History: APRIL 10
Playbill Combined , 2012-04-10 04:00:00
1868 Birthday of master actor George Arliss, who starred in a series of historical vehicles, including Hamilton and Disraeli.

Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 18
Playbill Combined , 2010-09-18 04:00:00
1911 Disraeli, a new drama, opens tonight on Broadway at the Wallack's Theatre. It stars George Arliss as the British prime minister in this play by Louis N. Parker. Arliss' memorable performance gains him so much credit, he is asked to reprise his role in the film version. This stage ...

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 10
Playbill Combined , 2010-04-10 04:00:00
1868 Birthday of master actor George Arliss, who starred in a series of historical vehicles, including Hamilton and Disraeli.