Born in 1913 in Warwickshire, England, he was a distinguished British actor and director, renowned for his commanding presence on stage and screen. He served in the British Army during World War II, which interrupted his burgeoning acting career. After the war, he became a prominent figure in theater, notably as director of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. His film career included roles in classics like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Guns of Navarone." He was knighted in 1985 and passed away in 1989.