11 Facts About Leslie French

Leslie Richard French was a British actor of stage and screen.

Leslie French became most associated with the role of Ariel in William Shakespeare's The Tempest, and over the years he essayed many of Shakespeare's spirits and clowns, such as Puck, Feste and Touchstone.

Leslie French was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1904 and was educated at the London School of Choristers.

Leslie French made his first appearance as a child actor in a 1914 Christmas show at the Little Theatre and left school the same year to join the touring Ben Greet Company as a stagehand and prompter.

Leslie French was the first male actor to essay the role of Ariel for many years and did so in nothing more than a small loincloth, helping to make this version something of a talking point at the time.

Leslie French continued his stage career at the Old Vic and later the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, specialising in Shakespeare's spirits and clowns, such as Puck, Feste, Touchstone and of course Ariel, roles greatly enhanced by his singing and dancing ability.

Leslie French directed several plays including successful stagings of The Taming of the Shrew and As You Like It.

Leslie French appeared in musicals, such as Fritzi, revue, pantomime and ballet.

Leslie French made the occasional foray into film, appearing in two Luchino Visconti films, The Leopard and Death in Venice, as well as many British television programmes.

Leslie French was considered for the role of the First Doctor in the science fiction series Doctor Who; William Hartnell was cast.

Leslie French finally appeared in the programme in its 1988 serial, Silver Nemesis, playing the Mathematician.