Michael Wilding
Born July 23 rd 1912. Deceased July 8 th 1979.
Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England, UK.
A British actor, he was actually a practicing commercial artist, and a successful one at that, before he joined the art department of a London film studio in 1933. His acting career soon followed, and he would go on to appear in a number of British movies, often times in the accompanying presence of Anna Neagle. However, his Hollywood appeal was not as great as his pull back home. Some of his more memorable performances were in “Sailors Three”, “In Which We Serve”, “Piccadilly Incident”, “Spring in Park Lane”, “Stage Fright”, and “The World of Suzie Wong”. In addition, he was the second husband of Elizabeth Taylor, though they were only married for 5 years.
His film debut came in the form of “Bitter Sweet” in 1933 after producers for the firm he was doing art work for approached him because of his handsome looks. It would prove to be the start of a serious career, and while he was never a top-billed star, he was nevertheless a leading man in a number of films. Some of his later works included a role in “Cleopatra” alongside his ex-wife, playing the role of Mark Antony.
Due to failing health, his picture career began to drop off in the 50s but he remained part of Richard Burton’s entourage, and his last role was a non speaking cameo appearance in “Lady Caroline Lamb” in 1972 before his declining health forced him into retirement. |
