Charles Laughton Overview:

Legendary actor, Charles Laughton, was born on Jul 1, 1899 in Scarborough, Yorkshire. Laughton died at the age of 63 on Dec 15, 1962 in Hollywood, CA and was laid to rest in ashes interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA.

MINI BIO:

This light-haired, rubber-faced, thick-lipped English actor ran up such a string of brilliant characterizations in Hollywood (after winning an Oscar for his British-made Henry VIII) that his precise and plummy tones became the most imitated of all. Captain Bligh, Mr. Barrett, Rembrandt, Ruggles of Red Gap, Javert in Les Miserables, Nero and, perhaps best of all, Quasimodo: they were all memorably Laughton. From 1945 till 1953 his overripe performances were the despair of his supporters. But he came good again in his last few films (adding an Oscar nomination for Witness for the Prosecution to the one he had received for Mutiny on the Bounty) before his death from spinal cancer. Married to Elsa Lanchester (1902-1986) from 1929.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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Charles Laughton was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one for Best Actor for The Private Life of Henry VIII (as Henry VIII) in 1932/33.

Academy Awards

YearAwardFilm nameRoleResult
1932/33Best ActorThe Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)Henry VIIIWon
1935Best ActorMutiny on the Bounty (1935)Captain BlighNominated
1957Best ActorWitness for the Prosecution (1957)Sir Wilfrid RobartsNominated
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He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures. Charles Laughton's handprints and footprints were 'set in stone' at Grauman's Chinese Theater during imprint ceremony #66 on Jul 24, 1942.

Charles Laughton BlogHub Articles:

Charles Laughton, John Mills, and Brenda de Banzie star in “Hobson’s Choice”

By Stephen Reginald on Jul 17, 2023 From Classic Movie Man

Charles Laughton, John Mills, and Brenda de Banzie star in “Hobson’s Choice” Hobson’s Choice (1954) is a British romantic comedy film directed by David Lean and starring Charles Laughton, John Mills, and Benda de Banzie. The film is based on the play of the same name wri... Read full article


The Night of the Hunter (1955), Charles Laughton’s horrifying masterpiece

By Carol Martinheira on Oct 8, 2021 From The Old Hollywood Garden

The Night of the Hunter (1955), Charles Laughton’s horrifying masterpiece On October 8, 2021October 8, 2021 By CarolIn Uncategorized Can you believe it?s October already? I certainly can?t. But you know what that means. Horror Month is here! And we kick off t... Read full article


Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara check in at “Jamaica Inn”

By Stephen Reginald on Apr 23, 2021 From Classic Movie Man

Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara check in at “Jamaica Inn” Jamaica Inn (1939) is a British period adventure movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O’Hara. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The s... Read full article


Charles Laughton Recites The Gettysburg Address

By Amanda Garrett on Nov 19, 2014 From Old Hollywood Films

On Nov. 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. There are many screen versions of that famous speech, but British actor Charles Laughton's rendition in Ruggles of Red Gap (1935) is my personal favorite. Laughton is playing an English valet who quiets a rowdy saloon in the wild We... Read full article


Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Charles Laughton

By minooallen on Jul 1, 2012 From Classic Movie Hub Blog

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Charles Laughton, born today, July 1, in 1899! I like to think of Charles Laughton as somewhat of a film and theatre Renaissance man. Acting, he did that. Directing, he did that, too. Producing, on his list of skill sets. Yes, Laughton was certainly a multi-ta... Read full article


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Charles Laughton Quotes:

Captain William Bligh: Mr. Christian!


Captain William Bligh: Casting me adrift 3500 miles from a port of call. You're sending me to my doom, eh? Well, you're wrong, Christian! I'll take this boat as she floats to England if I must! I'll live to see you, all of ya, hanging from the highest yardarm in the British fleet!

Soapy: It may interest to you to know, my good man, that I and the minutest coin of the realm are total strangers.
Waiter: How's that?
Soapy: I said I was broke!


read more quotes from Charles Laughton...



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Charles Laughton Facts
Laughton was originally cast as Micawber in David Copperfield (1935), but resigned after two days of shooting. It was said at the time that "he looked as though he were about to molest the child" (played by Freddie Bartholomew).

He greatly disliked children. Because of his disdain for them and the fact that he had to work with them in The Night of the Hunter (1955), most of the scenes with the children were directed by star Robert Mitchum, who had three children of his own.

Interred at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA, in the Court of Remembrance.

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