Donald Wolfit

Sir Donald Wolfit (born Donald Woolfitt, 20 April 1902 – 17 February 1968) was a seminal English actor‑manager famed for his tireless touring productions of Shakespeare and his iconic portrayals of King Lear and Hamlet. Born in New Balderton, Nottinghamshire, he was the second son of William Pearce Woolfitt and Emma Tomlinson, growing up in a conventional middle‑class household that nonetheless failed to curb his early fascination with the theatre. After a brief stint as a schoolmaster, he joined Charles Doran’s touring company, making his debut in 1920 as Biondello in The Taming of the Shrew and later appearing with Fred Terry’s troupe before his London debut at the New Theatre in 1924. He simplified his surname to Wolfit and quickly established himself as a versatile supporting actor, though his rising ambition and rivalry with John Gielgud would later shape his career decisions.

In 1934 Wolfit founded his own touring company, a vehicle through which he sought to bring Shakespeare to the widest possible audiences, often at modest ticket prices. Despite criticism of his production values, the company served as a launchpad for future luminaries such as Harold Pinter, Brian Rix and Peter Jones. His relentless dedication saw him persevere through the Blitz, continuing to stage performances even after a German bomb destroyed his scenery store. Recognised with a CBE in 1950 and knighted in 1957, Wolfit remained a dominant force on the provincial circuit, championing “the popular Shakespeare” until his final stage appearance in Robert and Elizabeth (1966–67). He died in London on 17 February 1968 and is buried at St Peter’s Church, Hurstbourne Tarrant.