Peter Ustinov

Peter Ustinov
Allan Warren · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Peter Ustinov
Caption	Ustinov in 1973
Birth date	16 April 1921
Birth place	London, England
Death date	28 March 2004
Death place	Genolier, Switzerland
Occupation	Actor, writer, director, humanitarian
Spouse	Isabelle de Sausmarez (m. 1940; div. 1950), Suzanne Cloutier (m. 1954; div. 1971), Hélène du Lau d'Allemans (m. 1972)
Children	4, including Tamara Ustinov
Awards	Academy Awards (2), Emmy Awards (3), Golden Globe Awards (1)

Peter Ustinov. Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov was a preeminent British actor, writer, filmmaker, and humanitarian whose prolific six-decade career spanned theatre, film, television, and literature. Renowned for his wit, linguistic prowess, and chameleonic character acting, he won two Academy Awards and three Emmy Awards. Beyond entertainment, he served as a dedicated UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and was a celebrated raconteur on the global stage.

Early life and education

Born in London in 1921, he was the son of Nadezhda Leontievna Benois, a painter of Russian descent, and Jona von Ustinov, a journalist and press attaché at the German Embassy. His paternal grandfather was a German nobleman, and his father later worked for MI5 during the Second World War. He attended the progressive Westminster School but chafed against its formal structure, later describing his education at the London Theatre Studio under Michel Saint-Denis as more formative for his artistic development. His multilingual upbringing in a cosmopolitan, artistic household profoundly influenced his future work and worldview.

Stage and screen career

Ustinov achieved early success in the West End with plays like *The Banbury Nose* before making his Hollywood debut. He gained international fame for his scene-stealing supporting roles, winning his first Academy Award for his portrayal of a cunning slave dealer in Stanley Kubrick's epic *Spartacus*. His second Oscar came for his performance as the eccentric millionaire Arthur Simpson in the comedy *Topkapi*. He was equally celebrated on television, winning Emmy Awards for his work on *Barefoot in Athens* and for portraying the famed detective Hercule Poirot in several Agatha Christie adaptations. His voice acting as Prince John in the Disney animated film *Robin Hood* remains iconic.

Writing and directing

A prolific author and playwright, Ustinov wrote numerous novels, short stories, and plays, including the successful *The Love of Four Colonels*. He directed and wrote several films, such as the acclaimed *Billy Budd*, based on the Herman Melville novel and starring Terence Stamp. His satirical novel *Krumnagel* and his series of autobiographical works, including *Dear Me*, showcased his sharp wit and observational skill. He also wrote and performed in one-man shows, touring worldwide with his celebrated anecdotes and impressions of figures like William Shakespeare and Albert Einstein.

Public service and humanitarian work

Appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1968, he became one of the organization's most visible and tireless advocates, traveling extensively to raise funds and awareness for children's issues in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia. His diplomatic skill and humor made him a powerful ambassador, and he served in this role for over three decades. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 for services to the arts and was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Durham. He was a vocal advocate for Oxfam and other charitable causes, using his public platform to address global inequities.

Personal life and legacy

He was married three times: to Isabelle de Sausmarez, to actress Suzanne Cloutier, and finally to Hélène du Lau d'Allemans, with whom he spent the remainder of his life. He had four children, including journalist Tamara Ustinov. He lived for many years in Bursins, Switzerland, where he died in 2004. His legacy is preserved through institutions like the University of Durham's Ustinov College and the Sir Peter Ustinov Foundation in Vienna, which focuses on educational and humanitarian projects. Remembered as a true Renaissance man, his contributions to arts and humanity were recognized with honors including the French Legion of Honour and the German Order of Merit.

Category:English male actors Category:English film directors Category:English writers Category:UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors