Williams, Emlyn (1905-1987), was a Welsh actor and playwright. He wrote more than 20 plays and performed in over 150 plays and motion pictures. Williams also gained wide recognition for his concert readings from the works of the English author Charles Dickens and the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
Williams became best known for his autobiographical play The Corn Is Green (1938). This drama depicts his life as a poor boy in a Welsh village. It ends with the boy winning a university scholarship through the encouragement of a devoted teacher. Williams also wrote Night Must Fall (1935), a popular suspense thriller. Williams’ performance as the charming but insane young murderer in this drama also brought him fame as an actor. His other plays include The Light of Heart (1940), Accolade (1950), and Someone Waiting (1953).
George Emlyn Williams was born on Nov. 26, 1905, in Mostyn, near Prestatyn. He wrote two autobiographies. George: An Early Autobiography (1961) describes his childhood and his years at Oxford University. Emlyn (1973) tells about his early career in the theater. He died on Sept. 25, 1987.
