Born in 1905 on the island of Dominica, he rose to fame as a film actor known for his strong presence in historical epics. He moved to the UK in the 1920s, making his stage debut before transitioning to film. He gained prominence in the 1930s, notably working with director Cecil B. DeMille. His commanding roles in films like "Cleopatra" and "The Crusades" solidified his place in Hollywood. Later in his career, he took on supporting roles and worked as a producer. He passed away in 1984, leaving a legacy in classic cinema.