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Alec Guinness
Sir Alec Guinness CH CBE, born Alec Guinness de Cuffe, was a British actor whose career spanned from 1934 to 1996. He was highly noted in the British Film Institute listing of 1999 of the 100 most important British films of the 20th century, represented across nine films; this included six in starring roles and three in supporting roles. Many of these films were directed by David Lean or produced by Ealing Studios. Over his career, he won numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award. In 1959, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the arts. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, the Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement in 1980, and the BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award in 1989. Guinness began his stage career in 1934, making his mark in Shakespearean roles. During the Second World War, Guinness served in the Royal Naval Reserve, commanding a landing craft during the invasion of Sicily and Elba. He later gained recognition for his role in George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy, and spent his later life closely associated with his definitive depiction of the leading role of George Smiley in the two BBC television series of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Smiley's People by John le Carré.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Alec Guinness, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Alec Guinness rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Alec Guinness de Cuffe
Born: Maida Vale, London, England
Citizenship: British
Birthday: April 2, 1914
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1934-1996
Children: 1
Spouses: Merula Salaman
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Alec Guinness
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Alec Guinness has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actor)
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeMovies Featuring Alec Guinness
The Ladykillers
Oliver Twist
Great Expectations
Doctor Zhivago
The Bridge on the River Kwai
A Passage to India
Murder by Death
The Lavender Hill Mob
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Story of Star Wars
Grace Kelly: Destiny of a Princess
The Empire Strikes Back
Smiley’s People
SP FX: The Empire Strikes Back
Lovesick
Return of the Jedi
David Lean: A Life in Film
Raise the Titanic
Little Dorrit
A Handful of Dust
Little Lord Fauntleroy
Grace Kelly: The American Princess
Monsignor Quixote
Little Lord Fauntleroy
Cromwell
Father Brown
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
A Foreign Field
Hitler: The Last Ten Days
The Prisoner
The Card
A Majority of One
Mute Witness
The Comedians
The Quiller Memorandum
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The Star Wars Holiday Special
The Mudlark
Twelfth Night
Last Holiday
Hotel Paradiso
The Horse’s Mouth
Audrey Hepburn: Remembered
The Making of Star Wars
Situation Hopeless — But Not Serious
Tunes of Glory
The Rise and Fall of a Jungle Giant
Eskimo Day
Barnacle Bill
Malta Story
The Man in the White Suit
Kind Hearts and Coronets
The Comedians in Africa
Icons Unearthed: Star Wars
To Paris with Love
Lawrence of Arabia
Oliver Twist
Our Man in Havana
The Captain’s Paradise
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Alec Guinness, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
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