Kenneth More

Kenneth More
Eric Koch for Anefo · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl · source
Name	Kenneth More
Birth date	20 September 1914
Birth place	Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, England
Death date	12 July 1982
Death place	Fulham, London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1935-1982
Spouse	Beryl Turner (1939-1946), Doreen Reade (1946-1954), Barbara Watkin (1954-1968), Angela Douglas (1968-1982)

Kenneth More was a renowned English actor who appeared in numerous Ealing Comedies, including Genevieve and Doctor in the House. He worked with notable directors such as Alexander Mackendrick and Basil Dearden, and starred alongside actors like Alastair Sim and Dirk Bogarde. More's film career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama, and worked with institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic. He was also a member of the Actors' Equity Association and performed at various theaters, including the West End and the National Theatre.

● Early Life and Education

Kenneth More was born in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, to a family of modest means, and was educated at Victoria College, Jersey, and later at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. During his time at RADA, he was influenced by notable figures such as John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, and he began his acting career on stage, performing at theaters like the Savoy Theatre and the Aldwych Theatre. More's early life was also marked by his experiences during World War II, where he served in the Royal Navy and was involved in the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Atlantic. He was also a member of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), which provided entertainment for the troops during the war.

● Career

More's film career began in the 1930s, with small roles in films like The Silence of the Sea and The Small Back Room. He gained recognition for his performances in Ealing Comedies such as Passport to Pimlico and The Man in the White Suit, which were directed by Alexander Mackendrick and starred actors like Stanley Holloway and Joan Greenwood. More's collaborations with Basil Dearden resulted in films like The Blue Lamp and The Ship That Died of Shame, which explored themes of social justice and morality. He also worked with other notable directors, including David Lean and Carol Reed, and appeared in films like The Bridge on the River Kwai and The Third Man. More's career was also marked by his work in television, where he appeared in series like The Forsyte Saga and The Lotus Eaters, and worked with networks like the BBC and ITV.

● Personal Life

More was married four times, to Beryl Turner, Doreen Reade, Barbara Watkin, and Angela Douglas, and had three children. He was known for his charismatic personality and his love of sailing and aviation. More was also a member of the Royal Yachting Association and the Royal Aero Club, and he owned a yacht and a private plane. His personal life was also marked by his experiences with depression and alcoholism, which he struggled with throughout his life. More was also a supporter of various charitable organizations, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Variety Club of Great Britain.

● Filmography

Some of More's notable films include Genevieve, Doctor in the House, Reach for the Sky, and A Night to Remember. He also appeared in films like The Longest Day and Battle of Britain, which were directed by Ken Annakin and Guy Hamilton. More's filmography also includes The 39 Steps and The Yellow Balloon, which were based on novels by John Buchan and Edgar Wallace. He worked with a range of actors, including Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Ingrid Bergman, and appeared in films produced by Ealing Studios, Rank Organisation, and 20th Century Fox.

● Awards and Legacy

More was nominated for a BAFTA Award for his performance in Reach for the Sky, and he won a National Board of Review award for his role in A Night to Remember. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970 for his services to drama. More's legacy continues to be celebrated through his films, which remain popular to this day, and his influence can be seen in the work of actors like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. He is also remembered for his contributions to the Actors' Benevolent Fund and the Royal Theatrical Fund, which provide support for actors in need.

● Death and Tributes

Kenneth More died on 12 July 1982, at the age of 67, in Fulham, London. He was remembered by his colleagues and fans for his talent, his charm, and his dedication to his craft. More's funeral was attended by notable figures from the world of theater and film, including Richard Attenborough and Peter Finch. He is buried in Putney Vale Cemetery, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his films and his contributions to the world of drama. More's life and career were also the subject of a BBC documentary, which explored his experiences during World War II and his rise to fame in the 1950s. Category:English actors