A renowned stage and screen actress, celebrated for her powerful performances in Shakespearean roles and her iconic portrayal of the titular character in the 1942 film "Mrs. Miniver".
Renowned for her iconic portrayal of Miss Froy in Alfred Hitchcock's 1938 thriller The Lady Vanishes, May Whitty was a trailblazing English stage and film actress who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the performing arts, Whitty was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 1918 New Year Honours, becoming one of the first two women entertainers to receive this prestigious honor.
Whitty's illustrious career spanned over six decades, with notable roles in numerous West End productions and British films. Her transition to Hollywood at the age of 72 marked a new chapter in her career, cementing her status as a timeless talent. Some of her notable film credits include:
Born Mary Louise Webster on June 19, 1865, in Liverpool, England, Whitty was the daughter of William Alfred Whitty, a newspaper proprietor, and Mary Louisa (née Ashton). Her grandfather, Michael James Whitty, was a distinguished figure in Liverpool, serving as the Chief Constable and founder of the Liverpool Daily Post.
Whitty married actor-manager Ben Webster in 1892, and they had a daughter, Margaret Webster, born in New York in 1905. Margaret went on to become a producer and held dual US and UK citizenship.
Whitty was an active member of the Actresses' Franchise League (AFL), working tirelessly to promote women's rights and suffrage. During World War I, she played a crucial role in organizing the Women's Emergency Corps, demonstrating her commitment to public service.
May Whitty's remarkable life and career paved the way for future generations of women in the entertainment industry. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her country, and her fellow women continues to inspire and motivate.
Today, Whitty's legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and determination. As a pioneering actress, suffragist, and philanthropist, she remains an icon of British stage and screen, forever etched in the annals of history.
91 Years Old
A renowned actress celebrated for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter film series and Downton Abbey, earning numerous awards and accolades for her remarkable performances.
80 Years Old
A renowned actress celebrated for her powerful performances on stage and screen, particularly in Shakespearean roles and as a iconic TV detective.
87 Years Old
A renowned thespian celebrated for iconic roles in film and theatre, particularly as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Magneto in the X-Men franchise.
87 Years Old
A renowned stage and screen actor, celebrated for his iconic portrayals of Shakespearean characters and villainous roles in popular TV series.
Born in 1908
A renowned thespian who excelled on stage and screen, bringing complex characters to life with his nuanced performances. He's most famous for his portrayal of tortured souls in films like "The Browning Version" and "Dead of Night".
Born in 1902
A renowned stage and screen actor, celebrated for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence, starring in iconic films like "David Copperfield" and "Doctor Zhivago".
Born in 1904
A renowned thespian, celebrated for his commanding stage presence and iconic performances in Shakespearean plays and films, earning him a knighthood.
Born in 1914
A renowned actor who brought iconic characters to life on screen, including Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise.
