15 Facts About Hugh Griffith

Hugh Griffith was the second-ever Welsh-born actor to win an Academy Award, winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Ben-Hur, with an additional nomination for Tom Jones.

Hugh Griffith was born in Marian-glas, Anglesey, Wales, the youngest son of Mary and William Hugh Griffith.

Hugh Griffith was educated at Llangefni County School and attempted to gain entrance to university, but failed the English examination.

Hugh Griffith was then urged to make a career in banking, becoming a bank clerk and transferring to London to be closer to acting opportunities.

Hugh Griffith resumed his acting career in 1946, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Between 1946 and 1976, Hugh Griffith won acclaim for many stage roles, in particular for his portrayals of Falstaff, Lear and Prospero.

Hugh Griffith performed on both sides of the Atlantic, taking leading roles in London, New York City and Stratford.

Hugh Griffith began his film career in British films during the late 1940s, and by the 1950s was working in Hollywood.

Hugh Griffith won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Ben-Hur, and was nominated for his performance in Tom Jones.

Hugh Griffith played the funeral director Caradog Lloyd-Evans in the 1978 BBC Wales comedy Grand Slam.

Hugh Griffith was attached to Orson Welles' unproduced 1960s adaptation of Treasure Island.

Hugh Griffith received an honorary degree from the University of Wales, Bangor, in 1965.

Hugh Griffith was married to Adelgunde Margaret Beatrice von Dechend in 1947.

Hugh Griffith was a lifelong friend and drinking companion of poet Dylan Thomas.

Hugh Griffith, after being unwell for about a year, died in 1980 at his home in Kensington, London, at age 67.