Biography
Donald Wolfit (born Donald Woolfitt; 20 April 1902 – 17 February 1968) was an English actor-manager, best known for touring productions of Shakespeare and his performances as King Lear. Born in New Balderton, Nottinghamshire, he made his London stage debut in 1924 and later joined the companies at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. After playing Hamlet at Stratford, he formed his own touring company in 1937, taking Shakespeare and other plays to audiences across Britain and abroad. His company continued performing during the Second World War, including lunchtime productions in London. Among the actors who worked with him were Harold Pinter and Brian Rix. Wolfit also appeared in films, including Svengali (1954), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Becket (1964). He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1950 and knighted in 1957 for his services to the theatre.
Acted in 41
1960s
- 1968
Decline and Fall ...of a Birdwatcher
Dr. Augustus Fagan
- 1966
The Sandwich Man
Car Salesman
- 1965
Life at the Top
Abe Brown
90° in the Shade
Bažant (Auditor #1)
- 1964
- 1963
Dr. Crippen
R.D. Muir (as Sir Donald Wolfit)
- 1962
- 1961
- 1960
On Trial
Admiral Byng · 1 episode
1950s
- 1959
The House of the Seven Hawks
Inspector Van Der Stoor
The Angry Hills
Dr. Stergion
- 1958
I Accuse!
Gen. Mercier
The Master Builder
Halvard Solness
- 1957
The Traitor
Colonel Price
- 1956
Satellite in the Sky
Prof. Merrity
Armchair Theatre
James Saward · 1 episode
Guilty?
Judge
The Man in the Road
Prof. Cattrell
- 1955
A Man on the Beach
Carter
A Prize of Gold
Alfie Stratton
Lilli Palmer Theatre
Sergeant Buzfuz · 1 episode
- 1954
Svengali
Svengali
- 1953
Isn't Life Wonderful!
Willie, the boy's uncle
- 1952
The Ringer
Dr. Lomond
The Pickwick Papers
Sergeant Buzfuz
1930s
- 1936
Calling the Tune
Dick Finlay
- 1935
Late Extra
Inspector Greville
Checkmate
Jack Barton
The Silent Passenger
Henry Camberley
Drake of England
Thomas Doughty
Hyde Park Corner
George Francis Howard
- 1934
Death at Broadcasting House
Sydney Parsons
- 1931
Down River
Movie