★ 5.2 
Acting
Donald Wolfit
Donald Wolfit is best known for BBC Play of the Month, Armchair Theatre, Ghost Squad and Lilli Palmer Theatre. Donald Wolfit was born on April 20, 1902. Donald Wolfit died on February 17, 1968 at the age of 65.
- Born
- April 20, 1902
- Place of birth
- New Balderton, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
- Died
- February 17, 1968 (65 years old)
Biography
Donald Wolfit (born Donald Woolfitt; 20 April 1902 – 17 February 1968) was an English actor-manager, best known for touring productions of Shakespeare and his performances as King Lear. Born in New Balderton, Nottinghamshire, he made his London stage debut in 1924 and later joined the companies at the Old Vic and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
After playing Hamlet at Stratford, he formed his own touring company in 1937, taking Shakespeare and other plays to audiences across Britain and abroad. His company continued performing during the Second World War, including lunchtime productions in London. Among the actors who worked with him were Harold Pinter and Brian Rix. Wolfit also appeared in films, including Svengali (1954), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Becket (1964). He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1950 and knighted in 1957 for his services to the theatre.
After playing Hamlet at Stratford, he formed his own touring company in 1937, taking Shakespeare and other plays to audiences across Britain and abroad. His company continued performing during the Second World War, including lunchtime productions in London. Among the actors who worked with him were Harold Pinter and Brian Rix. Wolfit also appeared in films, including Svengali (1954), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Becket (1964). He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1950 and knighted in 1957 for his services to the theatre.
Known for
Filmography
- 1965BBC Play of the MonthPastor Manders
- 1961Ghost Squad
- 1960On TrialAdmiral Byng
- 1956Armchair TheatreJames Saward
- 1955Lilli Palmer TheatreSergeant Buzfuz
- 1955Folio
Frequently asked questions
What movies and shows has Donald Wolfit been in?
Donald Wolfit is best known for BBC Play of the Month, Armchair Theatre, Ghost Squad and Lilli Palmer Theatre.
When was Donald Wolfit born?
Donald Wolfit was born on April 20, 1902. (New Balderton, Nottinghamshire, England, UK)
How old is Donald Wolfit?
Donald Wolfit died on February 17, 1968 at the age of 65.
Updated: November 2, 2026 ·