Robert Donat
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Robert Donat (1905-1958)
Friedrich Robert Donath was born in Withington, Manchester of Polish descent on March 18, 1905 and died in London on June 9, 1958 from a cerebral haemorrhage, aged 53.
Robert Donat was a distinguished English film and stage actor, had a beautifully melodious voice and he may be best remembered for his roles in The Private Life of Henry VIII (as Thomas Culpepper); The Count of Monte Cristo (1934) (as Edmond Dantes - the Count of Monte Cristo); The 39 Steps (1935); Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) (for which he won an Academy Award); The Young Mr Pitt (1942); Perfect Strangers (1945) and The Winslow Boy (1948) (as Sir Robert Morton KC).
Donat made his first stage appearance in 1921 and his film debut in 1932 in The Private Life of Henry VIII (as Thomas Culpepper), under the renowned film director and producer Alexander Korda. He had a successful screen image as the quintessential English gentleman. However, he suffered from ill-health (chronic asthma) which blighted his career and limited him to nineteen films. His final role, as the Mandarin of Yang Cheng in The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is memorable because it was apparent that he knew he was close to death.
Robert Donat was twice married:
1. Ella Annesley Voysey (1929-1946)