Henry Ainley

Henry Hinchliffe Ainley (21 August 1879 - 31 Oct 1945) was an English Shakespearean stage and screen actor, and father of actors Richard Ainley and Anthony Ainley.

Related Topics:
21 August - 1879 - 31 Oct - 1945 - English - Shakespearean - Actor - Richard Ainley - Anthony Ainley

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He was born in Belle Vue Terrace in Morley, Leeds and baptised at St. George's Parish Church, but moved to London to pursue his career as an actor. He made his professional stage debut for F.R. Benson's company of actors as a messenger in Macbeth and later joined Herbert Beerbohm Tree's company. He appeared in Henry V at the Lyceum in London and returned to Leeds to play at the Grand Theatre. Later roles included Oliver Cromwell, Marcus Antonius in Julius Caesar, Prospero, and Macbeth himself. He played Hamlet several times, including a 1930 production that was chosen for a Royal Command Performance.

Related Topics:
Morley - Leeds - London - F.R. Benson - Macbeth - Herbert Beerbohm Tree - Henry V - Lyceum - Oliver Cromwell - Marcus Antonius - Julius Caesar - Prospero - Hamlet - 1930 - Royal Command Performance

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By World War I had begun acting in motion pictures. Screen credits include Henry VIII, The Prisoner of Zenda and As You Like It, a 1936 film which also featured his son Richard and Laurence Olivier.

Related Topics:
World War I - As You Like It - Laurence Olivier

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He died in London and is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.

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