20 years after the death of Alec Guinness: a look back at his career

Died on August 5, 2000, Alec Guinness is a British actor who has enjoyed opulent success. 20 years after his death, focus on the career of this monument, which remains one of the most famous faces in the history of cinema. 

Promising beginnings

Born on April 2, 1914, Alec Guinness de Cuffe is a British actor who, since childhood, has been passionate about acting.He studied drama at the Fay Compton Studio of Dramatic Art. He made his debut in 1934 as an extra at the King's Theatre in London. His career took a new turn when, in 1937, he began in theatre at the Old Vic for small roles. He then joined the army in 1941 during the Second World War, convinced that he was only an actor and not "an artist".He took the opportunity to make his debut in the United States, notably in Flare Path. 

The highlight of his career

He began his career on the screens with Great Expectations, inspired by the novel by Charles Dickens. Then, he continued his momentum by interpreting roles in Oliver Twist, Lawrence of Arabia or The Bridge on the River Kwai. All produced by David Lean. It thus becomes an emblem of Ealing Studios. In fact, his role as Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. The soundtrack of the film has also become cult: He also plays the fürher in Hitler's Last Ten Day.But it is his role as Obi-Wan (or Ben) Kenobi in Star Wars that has marked several generations of viewers. A role that the actor had hated at the time. He even declared at the microphone of Bernard Pivot:

"I tuck my shoulders in as soon as someone mentions the film in front of me.The dialogues are really too trivial." 

An actor with a unique talent

Alec Guinness is known not only for his important filmography, but also for his talent of course. He had the ability to interpret different roles with a disconcerting ability.He was able to embody each character without incorporating his personality traits and mannerisms. He himself stated:

"You become an actor to get away from yourself, maybe it's a relentless quest for your identity." 

An actor multiplying awards

This giant of cinema won nearly 13 awards during his 50-year career, including 3 BAFTAs, a Golden Bear, an honorary award by British cinema or in 1980 an honorary Oscar for his entire career. He even received an honorary title from Queen Elizabeth II and became Sir Alec Guinness. An honour for a Briton… We understood it, if you want to talk about Alec Guinness during a discussion, do not name his role in Star Wars (it's a joke). But you can always re-watch Lawrence of Arabia;)

Lawrence of Arabia's poster