Origins & Early Life

Charles Laughton (; 1 July 1899 – 15 December 1962) was an English actor and director. Over his career he received an Academy Award and a Grammy Award as well as nominations for two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. He earned a motion picture star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Born in the North Riding of Yorkshire, Laughton was trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and first appeared professionally on the stage in 1926.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He played a wide range of classical and modern roles both on West End and Off West End, making an impact in Shakespeare at the Old Vic. His acting career took him to Broadway and then Hollywood, where he portrayed everything from monsters and misfits to kings. He earned the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the title character in the historical drama The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933). Laughton was further Oscar-nominated for his roles as Captain William Bligh in the action adventure Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and an irascible barrister in the courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution (1957). Among his biggest film hits were The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934), Ruggles of Red Gap (1935), Rembrandt (1936), Jamaica Inn (1939...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Capone — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alfred Hitchcock — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Master of Suspense, influential English filmmaker known for psychological thrillers.
• Bertil Ohlin — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Influential Swedish economist, Nobel Laureate, and politician.
• Andrey Lavrov — Contemporary (Born in 1962) (1962): Three-time Olympic gold medalist and decorated Russian handball legend.
• Arthur Compton — Contemporary (Died in 1962) (1962): Pioneering physicist known for the Compton effect and contributions to nuclear science.
• Auguste Piccard — Contemporary (Died in 1962) (1962): Swiss physicist, inventor, and pioneer of stratospheric and abyssal exploration.
• Babak Khorramdin — Shared historical date (07-01 · Born) (798): 9th-century Iranian revolutionary leader of the Khorram-Dinān rebellion.
• Baybars — Shared historical date (07-01 · Died) (1277): Mamluk Sultan who defeated the Mongols at Ain Jalut and crushed the Crusaders.
• Adam Brody — Shared historical date (12-15 · Born) (1979): American actor known for roles in The O.C., Shazam!, and StartUp.
• Akira Mutō — Shared historical date (12-15 · Born) (1892): Imperial Japanese Army General implicated in war crimes during WWII.
• 1899 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1899
• July 1 (07-01) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 1
• 1962 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1962
• December 15 (12-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 15