Hurd Hatfield

William Rukard Hurd Hatfield, known as Hurd Hatfield, was an American actor celebrated for his portrayals of handsome, narcissistic young men. Born on December 7, 1917, in New York City, he rose to fame with his role as Dorian Gray in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945). In spite of its controversial themes which left Hatfield somewhat alienated in Hollywood, the film is appreciated for being avant-garde and ahead of its time. Throughout his career which spanned from the 1940s through the 1990s, Hatfield showcased his talents in both film and theatre, appearing in successful films like The Diary of a Chambermaid, The Beginning or the End, and The Unsuspected. Hatfield took a step back from acting in the 1970s, but had notable performances in King David (1985) and Her Alibi (1989). Apart from his film work, he was also recognized for his TV appearances, earning an Emmy Award nomination for The Invincible Mr. Disraeli (1963). His life took an interesting turn in the early 1970s when he moved to Rathcormac, County Cork, in Ireland, a transition inspired by actress Angela Lansbury. He restored and renovated the historic Ballinterry House and lived there until his death in 1998.