Born: May 18, 1917 – Died: August 3, 1993
James Donald, a Scottish-born actor, was born in Aberdeen on May 18, 1917. With his first professional stage bow in the late 30s, he captivated audiences and eventually achieved stardom in 1943 for his remarkable performance in Noël Coward's "Present Laughter". Known for his gaunt face and serious demeanor, James brought intelligence and honor to many of the characters he portrayed on screen. His contributions to the entertainment industry include notable performances in films such as "The Great Escape" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Despite his career being interrupted by health issues, James Donald remained a respected and talented actor until his death on August 3, 1993.
Early Life and Career
Donald began his acting career in the late 1930s and made his first professional stage appearance during this time. However, it was his performance in Noël Coward's play "Present Laughter" in 1943 that launched him into stardom. The success of this role established him as a talented and respected actor.
One of Donald's notable contributions to the entertainment industry was his role in the film "The Great Escape" in 1963. He portrayed the character Ramsey "The SBO" and his performance garnered critical acclaim. Another significant project was his role as Major Clipton in "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957, which further solidified his reputation as a skilled actor.
Throughout his career, Donald received several awards and nominations. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his role as Prince Albert in the TV movie "Victoria Regina".
In terms of his personal life, James Donald was married to a woman named Ann, and they had one child together.
James Donald made a notable impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry through his remarkable performances and the respect he garnered from his peers. Though he may not be considered an iconic or legendary figure, his talent and contributions to film and theatre are recognized and appreciated.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | The Big Sleep | Inspector Gregory |
| 1975 | Conduct Unbecoming | Doctor |
| 1970 | David Copperfield (TV Movie) | Mr. Murdstone |
| 1969 | Destiny of a Spy (TV Movie) | Sir Martin Rolfe |
| 1969 | The Royal Hunt of the Sun | King Carlos |
| 1969 | Hannibal Brooks | Padre |
| 1967 | Saint Joan (TV Movie) | Richard Warwick |
| 1967 | Quatermass and the Pit | Doctor Roney |
| 1967 | The Jokers | Col. Gurney-Simms |
| 1966 | Cast a Giant Shadow | Maj. Safir |
| 1966 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Commander John McAuliffe |
| 1965 | King Rat | Dr. Kennedy |
| 1964 | Thursday Theatre (TV Series) | Edward Chamberlayne |
| 1963 | The Great Escape | Ramsey 'The SBO' |
| 1963 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | Dr. Alvin MacKenzie |
| 1963 | Pygmalion (TV Movie) | Henry Higgins |
| 1961 | The Dick Powell Theatre (TV Series) | Major Frazer (as James R. N. Donald) |
| 1961 | Victoria Regina (TV Movie) | Prince Albert |
| 1957–1961 | ITV Play of the Week (TV Series) | Dr. Davidson | Will Trenting |
| 1960 | Fredric March Presents Tales from Dickens (TV Series) | Mr. Jingle |
| 1960 | The Citadel (TV Movie) | Dr. Andrew Manson |
| 1960 | BBC Sunday-Night Play (TV Series) | Jack Tanner |
| 1959 | Play of the Week (TV Series) | Priest |
| 1959 | Third Man on the Mountain | Franz Lerner |
| 1958–1959 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Mark Cavendish | Harry Pope |
| 1958–1959 | The DuPont Show of the Month (TV Series) | Captain Vere | John Shand | Sydney Carton |
| 1959 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Miles Denshaw |
| 1958 | The Vikings | Egbert |
| 1958 | Suspicion (TV Series) | James Thomason |
| 1957 | Folio (TV Series) | Mr. Bolfry |
| 1957 | The Bridge on the River Kwai | Major Clipton |
| 1956 | The Errol Flynn Theatre (TV Series) | Andrew |
| 1956 | Lust for Life | Theo Van Gogh |
| 1956 | The Gambler (TV Movie) | Alexei Ivanovitch |
| 1955–1956 | ITV Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Napoleon |
| 1952–1955 | BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) | Philip Sturgess | Will Ramillies |
| 1954 | Beau Brummell | Lord Edwin Mercer |
| 1953 | Project M7 | Prof. Michael Heathley |
| 1952 | The Pickwick Papers | Nathaniel Winkle |
| 1952 | Glory at Sea | Lt. Richard Jennings RN |
| 1952 | Brandy for the Parson | Bill Harper |
| 1951 | White Corridors | Dr. Neil Marriner |
| 1950 | Cage of Gold | Alan |
| 1949 | The Gay Lady | Lord Digby Landon |
| 1949 | Edward, My Son | Bronton |
| 1948 | The Light of Heart (TV Movie) | Robert |
| 1948 | The Hideout | Murray Byrne |
| 1948 | Broken Journey | Bill Haverton |
| 1947 | The Little Dry Thorn (TV Movie) | Larsa |
| 1944 | The Way Ahead | Pte. Evan Lloyd |
| 1943 | San Demetrio London | Gunnery Control Officer |
| 1942 | Went the Day Well? | German Corporal (uncredited) |
| 1942 | In Which We Serve | Doc |
| 1942 | Alibi | Barman (uncredited) |
| 1942 | One of Our Aircraft Is Missing | (uncredited) |
| 1942 | The Missing Million | Assistant to Dicker (as Jim Donald) |
| 1939 | Twelfth Night (TV Movie) | Valentine |
| 1937 | Daily Round (Short) | Man in Top Hat (uncredited) |
General:
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