Basil Rathbone British actor Date of Birth: 13.06.1892 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Theatrical Career
3. Military Service
4. Film Career
5. The Sherlock Holmes Series
6. Later Career
7. Legacy and Honors

Early Life and Education

Basil Rathbone was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Edgar Philip Rathbone, an engineer, and Anna Barbara, a violinist. The family returned to England when Basil was three, as his father was accused of spying for the British during the Second Boer War.

Theatrical Career

Rathbone's theatrical debut was in 1911 in Ipswich, Suffolk. He went on to tour in the United States in 1912, playing various roles in Shakespearean plays. Upon returning to Britain, he continued to perform on stage until joining the British Army in 1915.

Military Service

Rathbone served with distinction in World War I, receiving the Military Cross for bravery. His younger brother John was killed in action.

Film Career

Rathbone's film career began in 1925, typecasting him as a suave villain. He was known for his exceptional fencing skills, although his characters rarely triumphed in duels. His most iconic role, however, came in 1939 as Sherlock Holmes in "The Hound of the Baskervilles."

The Sherlock Holmes Series

Rathbone starred in 14 Sherlock Holmes films from 1939 to 1946. The early films adhered to the classic Victorian setting, while later ones were set in the present day. Rathbone became closely associated with the role, much to his chagrin.

Later Career

Rathbone continued to act in films and television in the 1950s, but he focused primarily on stage work. He also released a compact disc recording of Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems.

Legacy and Honors

Rathbone is honored with three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for his film work, one for radio, and one for television. He died of a heart attack in 1967 at the age of 75 and is buried in Hartsdale, New York.