A Czechoslovakian citizen, born in Germany, who went on to become a British subject
Best remembered for his role as the cynical analyst of schizophrenic ventriloquist Michael Redgrave in the classic thriller Dead of Night (1945).
Ironically fled Nazism in 1930s Germany only to be stereotyped as fearless, imposing-eyed Kommandants in British war pictures; later played doctors, kings and cabinet ministers as well.
Married with two young sons at the time of his death.
Played most of the Shakespearean leading roles and notable for his portrayal of Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice." His Othello has been deemed one of the most definitive--alongside Paul Robeson and Laurence Olivier, despite the fact that he spoke the lines with a thick Czechoslovakian accent.