Origins & Early Life

Hugh Emrys Griffith (30 May 1912 – 14 May 1980) was a Welsh actor. Described by BFI's Screenonline as a "wild-eyed, formidable character player", Griffith appeared in more than 100 theatre, film, and television productions in a career that spanned over 40 years. He was the second Welsh-born actor to win an Academy Award (following Ray Milland for The Lost Weekend), winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Ben-Hur (1959), with a second nomination for Tom Jones (1963). As a stage actor, he was a renowned Shakespearean and a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and was nominated for Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for the original production Look Homeward, Angel.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was also a BAFTA Award and a three-time Golden Globe nominee for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (for Tom Jones; 1963, Oliver!; 1968, and The Fixer, also 1968), and a Clarence Derwent Award winner. Griffith was born in Marian-glas, Anglesey, Wales, the youngest son of Mary and William Griffith. His sister was actress Elen Roger Jones. He was educated at Llangefni County School and attempted to gain entrance to university, but failed the English examination. He was then urged to make...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

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