Peter Wilton Cushing English actor Date of Birth: 26.05.1913 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Peter Cushing

Peter Wilton Cushing was born in Kenley, Surrey, United Kingdom. He studied acting under the guidance of Cairns James at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Before making his professional debut on the theatrical stage in 1935, Cushing worked as a clerk.

In 1939, the English actor moved to the United States, where he performed on Broadway. He made his Hollywood debut in the film "Man in the Iron Mask" (1939). However, Peter Cushing soon returned to England and joined Laurence Olivier's company at the Old Vic theater. He portrayed Osric in Olivier's film adaptation of "Hamlet" (1948).

Cushing gained recognition for his roles as Baron Frankenstein in the film "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957) and as Doctor Van Helsing in "Dracula" (1958). He subsequently appeared in numerous sequels and other horror films, establishing himself as a prominent actor in the genre.

Throughout his career, Cushing also had notable roles on television, including John Huston's "Moulin Rouge" (1952) and Joseph Losey's "Time Without Pity" (1956). He portrayed Sherlock Holmes in films such as "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1959) and Admiral Tarkin in George Lucas' famous "Star Wars" saga (1979).

In the late 1980s, Cushing published two memoirs. He passed away on August 11, 1994, in Canterbury, Kent.