Alec Clunes

Alexander Sheriff de Moro Clunes (17 May 1912 – 13 March 1970) was an English actor and theatrical manager.

Among the plays he presented were Christopher Fry's The Lady's Not for Burning. He gave the actor and dramatist Peter Ustinov his first break with his production The House of Regrets. His film career was brief, but varied. He played Hastings in Laurence Olivier's Richard III (1955), and also appeared in wartime films such as One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (1942), although he was in fact a conscientious objector. He also appeared in The Adventures of Quentin Durward (1955).

In 1958 he was offered the lead part of Bernard Quatermass in the BBC science-fiction serial Quatermass and the Pit, but declined the role: André Morell was cast instead.

Clunes' later stage work included succeeding Rex Harrison as Henry Higgins in the stage musical My Fair Lady in 1959. His final stage appearance was in 1968.

Early and personal life

Alexander Sheriff de Moro Clunes was born on 17 May 1912 to a show business family, he was the son of Alexander Sydenham Sherriff Clunes (1881–1960) and Georgina Ada Sumner (1882–1969). He began his stage career with Ben Greet's company before playing at the Old Vic theatre in 1934. He played numerous Shakespearian roles, before taking over the management of the Arts Theatre, London in 1942, where he remained until 1950. He later ran a theatre bookshop in Cecil Court.

He was twice married: to actress Stella Richman, later a television producer, and Daphne Gillian Acott, with whom he had one son, actor Martin Clunes.

Clunes died from lung cancer on 13 March 1970, aged 57.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1940 Convoy Uncredited Let George Do It! Officer Uncredited Saloon Bar Eddie Graves Sailors Three British Pilot 1942 One of Our Aircraft Is Missing The Organist 1949 Now Barabbas Gale 1952 The Blind Man English version, voice role 1953 Melba Cesar Carlton 1955 The Adventures of Quentin Durward Charles – Duke of Burgundy Brighton Story (BFI film) Narrator Richard III The Lord Hastings 1956 Tiger in the Smoke Asst. Commissioner Oates The Buccaneers Governor Woodes Rogers Lead role, first three episodes 1963 Tomorrow at Ten Anthony Chester 1965 Undermind Police Sergeant Episode: "Onset of Fear" 1968 The Ronnie Barker Playhouse Peregrine Episode: "The Incredible Mister Tanner"