Leslie Howard
- Born:
- April 29, 1893, London, England
- Died:
- June 1, 1943 (aged 50), over the Bay of Biscay
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Director, Producer, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born Leslie Howard Steiner to a British mother and a Hungarian-Jewish father.
- Educated at Alleyn's School, London.
- Worked as a bank clerk before pursuing acting.
- Served in the British Army during World War I but suffered shell shock, leading to a medical discharge.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began acting career on the London stage.
- Achieved international fame in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s.
- Nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Actor: Berkeley Square (1933) and Pygmalion (1938).
- Directed and produced several films, showcasing his versatility.
- During World War II, actively supported the Allied cause through film and propaganda work.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Berkeley Square | Peter Standish | Nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor |
| 1936 | Romeo and Juliet | Romeo Montague | |
| 1938 | Pygmalion | Professor Henry Higgins | Also co-director |
| 1939 | Gone with the Wind | Ashley Wilkes | |
| 1941 | Pimpernel Smith | Professor Horatio Smith/Pimpernel Smith | Also director and producer |
Legacy and Impact
Leslie Howard's legacy lies in his contributions to both stage and screen. He was a versatile artist, excelling as an actor, director, producer, and writer. His career was tragically cut short during World War II when the civilian airliner he was travelling on was shot down by the Luftwaffe. It is important to note that some works have used the name "Leslie Howard" in titles such as "Leslie Howard Piano Biography of Mahatma" as a way to combine elements of different notable works in a catchy title, but it is unrelated to his career itself.