John Gielgud Biography: Net Worth, Age, Shakespeare, Husband, Height, Oscar, Parents, Films, Movies

Arthur John Gielgud, also known as John Gielgud, was a legendary English actor and theatre director revered as one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the 20th century. With a career spanning eight decades, his eloquent voice, impeccable diction, and profound interpretations elevated classical theatre and influenced generations of actors worldwide.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Arthur John Gielgud
• Stage Name: John Gielgud
• Born: April 14, 1904
• Age: 96 years old
• Died: May 21, 2000
• Birthplace: South Kensington, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Ethnicity: British
• Occupation: Actor, Theatre Director
• Height: 1.80 m
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Frank Henry Gielgud and Kate Terry-Gielgud
• Siblings: Lewis Gielgud, Val Gielgud, Eleanor Gielgud
• Spouse: Martin Hensler
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $2 million USD

Early Life And Education

Arthur John Gielgud was born on April 14, 1904, in South Kensington, London, England. He was brought up by his parents Frank Henry Gielgud, a stockbroker, and Kate Terry-Gielgud, in a cultured family with deep theatrical roots through his mother’s Terry dynasty connection to Ellen Terry.

He grew up having three siblings: brothers Lewis Gielgud and Val Gielgud, and sister Eleanor Gielgud. He attended Westminster School and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art after an initial scholarship at Lady Benson’s Dramatic Academy. His ethnicity is British. His religion is Christianity.

Career

John Gielgud made his professional stage debut in 1921 and quickly rose to prominence with acclaimed Shakespearean roles at the Old Vic, including a landmark Hamlet in 1929 that established him as a leading classical actor. He achieved huge success directing and starring in Richard II, Romeo and Juliet, and many other productions, often collaborating with peers like Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson.

His film career included notable performances in Julius Caesar, Becket, Chariots of Fire, Gandhi, and an Oscar-winning supporting role as Hobson in Arthur (1981). He won the rare EGOT status with an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy (for Ages of Man), and multiple Tony Awards.

Gielgud also directed plays and operas, appeared in television, and continued working into his nineties with roles in films like Prospero’s Books. Knighted in 1953 and appointed Companion of Honour and Order of Merit, his eight-decade career defined excellence in British theatre and screen, marked by his distinctive voice and intellectual depth in classical and modern roles alike.

Social Media

• John Gielgud does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

John Gielgud, 96 years old (at the time of his death), never married and had no children. He had significant past relationships, including with John Perry and Paul Anstee, before entering a long-term partnership with interior designer Martin Hensler from the 1960s until Hensler’s death in 1998. He lived a private life focused on his craft and close friendships within the theatrical community. His height is 1.80 m.

Net Worth

John Gielgud’s net worth is estimated at $2 million USD. His income primarily came from decades of stage acting and directing, film and television roles, commercial voice work, and royalties from classic productions and recordings.

Filmography

• Arthur (as Hobson, Academy Award winner, 1981)
• Julius Caesar (1953)
• Becket (1964)
• Chariots of Fire (1981)
• Gandhi (1982)
• The Elephant Man (voice, 1980)
• Prospero’s Books (1991)
• Hamlet (stage and adaptations)
• Richard II (stage and directed)
• Ages of Man (one-man show recording, Grammy winner)
• The Importance of Being Earnest (Tony winner)
• Many Shakespeare productions at Old Vic and West End