 |
Michaeol Murray HordernEnglish actor
Date of Birth: 04.10.1911
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Michael Hordern: Acclaimed British Actor and Knight
- Early Career and Marriage
- Triumphs on Stage
- Acclaimed Roles
- Film and Television Appearances
- Literary Contributions
- Later Years and Legacy
Michael Hordern: Acclaimed British Actor and Knight
Early Life and EducationBorn on October 4, 1911, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, Michael Murray Hordern attended Brighton College alongside his brother, Peter. His passion for acting emerged during his school years and continued as an amateur at the St. Pancras People's Theatre.
Early Career and Marriage
Before embarking on a professional stage career in 1937, Hordern worked as a teacher and a traveling salesman. He made his debut in Shakespeare's 'Othello' and later joined the Little Theatre in Bristol. There, he met and married actress Grace Eveline Mortimer in 1934. They remained married until Mortimer's death in 1986 and had one daughter, Joanna.
Triumphs on Stage
Throughout his career, Hordern graced the stages of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic, and the West End, showcasing his versatility and vocal prowess. He excelled in Shakespearean roles, notably as Cassius in 'Julius Caesar' and Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night.' Hordern also excelled in plays by Strindberg, Chekhov, Ibsen, Pinero, Pinter, Dürrenmatt, Stoppard, and Mercer.
Acclaimed Roles
Perhaps Hordern's most celebrated stage performance was as King Lear in Shakespeare's classic tragedy, directed by Jonathan Miller at the Nottingham Playhouse in 1970. In 1978, he returned to Stratford to portray the powerful sorcerer Prospero in 'The Tempest.'
Film and Television Appearances
Hordern starred in over 160 films, often playing character roles. He is remembered for his performances as Inspector Bashford in the comedy 'Passport to Pimlico' (1949) and Jacob Marley's ghost in the Christmas fantasy 'Scrooge' (1951). He also appeared in 'The Heart of the Matter,' 'The Spanish Gardener,' 'Sink the Bismarck!,' 'El Cid,' and 'Cleopatra.'
Literary Contributions
In addition to his acting prowess, Hordern narrated 19 of M. R. James' ghost stories for audio release by Argo in the 1980s. He was also the protagonist in the 1968 adaptation of James' 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad.'
Later Years and Legacy
Hordern spent his final years in a cottage near Newbury, Berkshire, enjoying fishing in the River Lambourn. He received a knighthood in 1983 for his contributions to theater. Sir Michael Hordern died from renal failure on May 2, 1995, in Oxford, at the age of 83. His legacy lives on through his enduring performances on stage and screen.
