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A magnetic screen presence with a distinctive voice, he became one of the great stars of British and Hollywood cinema. His career stretched across more than 100 films, from dark dramas to literary adaptations and suspense classics.
Born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, in 1909, he studied architecture before turning to acting. He first built his reputation in British films and went on to become an international star, admired for his intelligent, controlled performances and unmistakable voice.
Across a career of roughly five decades, he appeared in more than 100 films. He is especially remembered for performances in Odd Man Out, A Star Is Born, North by Northwest, and Lolita, and for bringing a cool intensity to both leading and character roles.
He died in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1984. His work continues to stand out for its elegance, emotional depth, and the quiet authority he brought to the screen.