Biography: John Gielgud was born on April 14, 1904 in London to Kate and Frank Gielgud. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and became known as a revolutionary Shakespearean actor of his time. He performed in many productions at the Old Vic and on the West End. He directed in the 1950s and 1960s. He was president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from 1977 to 1989. His partner was Martin Hensler.

Film/TV Credits: Film credits include: "Caligula," "The Elephant Man," "Gandhi," "Elizabeth," "DragonHeart," "Chariots of Fire," "Murder on the Orient Express," "Shine," "Hamlet," and "Arthur." Television credits include: "Agatha Christie's Poirot," "Inspector Morse," "Lovejoy," "Tales of the Unexpected," "ABC Afterschool Specials," and "SCTV."

Other Awards: Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for the Album "Ages of Man: Reading from Shakespeare" in 1980. Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "Arthur" in 1982. Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for "Summer's Lease" in 1991.

Trivia:
His books include two collections of essays, ''Stage Directions'' and ''Distinguished Company," and the autobiographies ''Early Stages'' and ''An Actor and His Time.''
His state honours were Knight Bachelor (UK, 1953), Legion of Honour (France, 1960), Companion of Honour (UK, 1977), and Order of Merit (UK, 1996).
One of only a few people to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award.
The marquees of Broadway theaters were dimmed in his honor on May 23, 2000.