Arthur Hill

Arthur Hill was a distinguished Canadian-born actor renowned for his commanding stage presence and versatile performances across theatre, film, and television. He achieved critical acclaim on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?*, and later became widely recognized to international audiences through his starring role in the CBS television series Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law. His career spanned over four decades, characterized by intelligent portrayals often of professional, authoritative figures.

Early life and education

Born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, he was the son of Edith Georgina and O. D. Hill, a lawyer. He attended the University of British Columbia with initial intentions of studying law, but his involvement in student theatrical productions shifted his focus toward acting. Following his service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, he moved to England to further his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, honing the classical technique that would underpin his later work.

Career

Hill began his professional stage career in repertory theatre in England before making his West End debut. He returned to North America, establishing himself as a formidable presence in live television drama during the Golden Age of Television, appearing on prestigious anthology series like *Studio One* and The United States Steel Hour. His breakthrough came on Broadway with his acclaimed performance as George in the original 1962 production of Edward Albee's *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?*, for which he received the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He successfully transitioned to film, appearing in notable features such as *The Ugly American* opposite Marlon Brando, *Harper* with Paul Newman, and *The Andromeda Strain*. From 1971 to 1974, he starred as the titular attorney in the legal drama series Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law, solidifying his popular fame. His later career included roles in miniseries like Wheeler and Murdoch and appearances on shows such as The Streets of San Francisco.

Personal life

Hill was married twice, first to actress Peggy Hassard from 1942 until their divorce in 1951. In 1961, he married Anne-Sophie Taraba, a Swedish-born interior designer, and the couple remained together until his death. They resided primarily in Pacific Palisades, California. A private individual, Hill was known to be an avid reader and enjoyed a quiet family life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1961.

Legacy

Arthur Hill is remembered as a consummate actor whose dignified intensity and precise craftsmanship earned him respect across all performance mediums. His Tony Award-winning performance in *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* remains a landmark achievement in American theatre, and his portrayal helped define the original stage interpretation of Edward Albee's masterpiece. While his film work often cast him in supporting roles, his television series Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law left a lasting impression as an early, respected example of the legal drama genre. His contribution to the arts was recognized in his native Canada with appointments as an Officer of the Order of Canada and to the Order of British Columbia.

Filmography

A selected list of his screen credits includes *The Ugly American* (1963), The Young Doctors (1961), In the Cool of the Day (1963), *Harper* (1966), *Petulia* (1968), *The Chairman* (1969), *The Andromeda Strain* (1971), The Killer Elite (1975), *A Bridge Too Far* (1977), and *The Champ* (1979). His extensive television work features the series Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1971–1974), the miniseries Wheeler and Murdoch (1985), and guest roles on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, *The Fugitive*, and Murder, She Wrote.

Category:Canadian male stage actors Category:Tony Award winners Category:American television actors