Peter Ustinov Biography

He quickly became interested in theatre and at the age of 17, in 1938, he made his first stage debut in ‘The Wood Demon’.

1940 was an important year for Peter. It was the year that his first play, ‘Fishing for Shadows’ was staged, as well as the year that Peter appeared in his first film.

His acting career was put on hold during the Second World War, but he re-entered soon after, working as an actor, writer and producer.

It was in the 1960s that Peter became an international star, receiving critical acclaim for his performances, amongst others, in ‘Spartacus’ and ‘Topkapi’, being nominated, and winning, Best Supporting Actor Oscars for both films.

Peter has made over 50 films, including starring a number of times as Hercule Poirot in the film adaptations of Agatha Christie’s crime novels.

Peter was always a writer and director as well as an actor. His successes as a playwright include the works ‘Who’s Who in Hell’ and ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’. He directed major, critically acclaimed films, including ‘Romanoff and Juliet’ and ‘Hammersmith Is Out’ in 1972, which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Peter even turned his hand to designing sets and costumes in 1973, for ‘The Unknown Soldier and His Wife’.

Unsurprisingly, Peter was also a regular performer on television. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of Dr Samuel Johnson, in the 1950s, and won several more for his performances in ‘Hallmark Hall of Fame’ specials, such as Socrates in ‘Barefoot in Athens’ (1966).

In later years, Peter returned to Hollywood to make a few, select films, and made regular appearance on TV talk shows.

He died at the age of 82 in Switzerland.