James Donald: Movies & Box Office

James Donald (18 May 1917 – 3 August 1993), a Scottish actor, was an eminent figure in the entertainment industry. His towering height and thin stature led him to specialize in playing authority figures, notably military doctors. He was born as the fourth son of a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Aberdeen. After the unfortunate demise of his mother when he was 18 months old, he was raised in Galashiels and schooled at Rossall School at the Lancashire's Fylde coast. Subsequently, he briefly attended McGill University in Montreal and then moved to the University of Edinburgh due to an asthma condition. Intended to become a teacher, he decided to delve into acting after watching Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Dame Edith Evans in 'The Late Christopher Bean'. He began his stage debut in 1938 in 'The White Guard'. His career spanned with remarkable performances on stage and in movies, playing minor roles in several war films. His acting prowess got him signed by the renowned studio, MGM in 1943. Post-war, he continued his acting career in movies and theater, and also worked in Hollywood films. He also received an Emmy nomination for his performance in 'Victoria Regina'. He retired due to a lifelong asthmatic condition and he passed away on 3 August 1993 due to stomach cancer, leaving behind his wife Ann and a stepson.