The career of Michael Redgrave began in 1934 at the Playhouse in Liverpool, transitioning from a teaching position at Cranleigh School to a permanent fixture of the British stage. He eventually emerged as a dominant force in mid-20th-century theatre, frequently cited alongside John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, and Ralph Richardson for his profound impact on the acting profession.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1908 in Bristol to actors Roy Redgrave and Margaret Scudamore, he attended Clifton College. He later studied modern languages at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he appeared in stage productions as Prince Hal and Captain Brassbound. During these years, he also served as an editor for the literary magazine The Venture alongside Anthony Blunt and Robin Fedden.
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Following his 1936 debut at the Old Vic in Love's Labours Lost, Redgrave established a reputation through diverse roles, including Orlando in As You Like It and Bolingbroke in Richard II. His work in the 1950s included seasons with the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, where he portrayed Shylock, King Lear, and Benedick, while also touring internationally in cities such as Moscow and Leningrad.
Film and Screen Career
Redgrave gained early cinematic notice in Alfred Hitchcock's 1938 film, The Lady Vanishes. His subsequent screen work earned significant critical recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for his lead performance in Mourning Becomes Electra in 1947. He received the Best Actor award at the 1951 Cannes Film Festival for his role in The Browning Version.
Adaptation and Directing
In addition to performing, Redgrave worked as a screenwriter, theatre manager, and director. He directed productions such as A Month in the Country and his own adaptation of Henry James's The Aspern Papers, which premiered at the Queen's Theatre in 1959. His pedagogical contributions included opening the Clifton College Theatre in 1966, which was later renamed in his honour.
Fast facts
- Born: 1908, Bristol
- Died: 1985, Denham
- Education: Clifton College; Magdalene College, Cambridge
- Film Debut: The Lady Vanishes (1938)
- Major Award: Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor (1951)
- Notable Honours: Knight Bachelor; Commander of the Order of the British Empire; Order of the Dannebrog
- Burial Site: St Paul's Church, Covent Garden
Questions readers ask
What was Michael Redgrave's first professional acting role?
He appeared as Roy Darwin in the play Counsellor-at-Law at the Playhouse in Liverpool on 30 August 1934.
Did Redgrave serve in the military?
Yes, he joined the Royal Navy as an ordinary seaman in July 1941 but was medically discharged in November 1942.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Knight Bachelor
- Order of the Dannebrog
- Worked as actor, stage actor and film actor
