Leslie Howard British theater and film actor, talented director and producer Date of Birth: 03.04.1893 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Leslie Howard

Leslie Howard was a renowned British stage and film actor, talented director, and producer. He gained particular popularity in the 1930s. Howard was born on April 3, 1893, in London, United Kingdom. His father, Ferdinand Steiner, and his mother, Lilian Brumberg, raised Leslie along with his younger siblings, making a family of five children. Leslie spent his childhood in Vienna before the family relocated to London. His father found work as a stockbroker and Leslie developed a love for the theater from a young age. He had a knack for performing in home plays, which his mother enjoyed but his father did not. Eventually, his father helped him find a job at a bank.

In 1914, Leslie worked as a bank clerk until he enlisted in the cavalry and went to the Western Front during World War I. After two years, he developed a nervous disorder and was sent back home. Upon his return, Leslie married and decided to pursue a career in theater. In 1918, he made his debut on a London stage and continued to appear in various roles. In 1920, Leslie traveled to the United States and spent the next ten years performing on Broadway. During this time, he also wrote scripts, sketches, essays, and articles, with some of his work being staged in Broadway theaters in 1927.

Leslie was in his forties when he started actively appearing in sound films. Directors were drawn to his well-articulated theatrical voice and other qualities. In 1930, he made his debut in a film called "Outward Bound." After that, Leslie's film career took off. He continued to act in movies while also performing in theater. His popularity was well-deserved.

Unfortunately, Leslie Howard's fame could have been even greater if not for his tragic death. He was killed in a plane crash on June 1, 1943, when the DC-3 Dakota aircraft he was traveling in was shot down by a German fighter. Following his untimely loss, numerous fans mourned the loss of this talented stage and film actor, Leslie Howard.