Ustinov, Peter (1921-2004), was a popular English actor and a versatile man of letters. In addition to his acting, he was a playwright, director, screenwriter, novelist, and producer. Ustinov was also famous for his witty conversation and his ear for dialects, which made him a popular figure on television talk programs and in live one-man shows.
Ustinov appeared in more than 50 motion pictures, winning Academy Awards as best supporting actor for his performances in Spartacus in 1960 and Topkapi in 1964. Other notable films in which Ustinov acted include Quo Vadis (1951), The Egyptian (1954), The Sundowners (1960), and Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968). He wrote several plays, most of them comedies. He produced, directed, and acted in many of them. Ustinov’s plays include The Love of Four Colonels (1951), Romanoff and Juliet (1956), Photo Finish (1962), and Beethoven’s Tenth (1982). He directed several motion pictures, notably Billy Budd (1962). Ustinov also directed and designed scenery and costumes for several operas. His novels include Krumnagel (1971) and The Old Man and Mr. Smith (1990). His nonfiction includes the autobiography Dear Me (1977).
Peter Alexander Ustinov was born on April 16, 1921, in London. He made his stage acting debut in 1938 and his motion-picture acting debut in 1940. Ustinov was knighted in 1990 and became known as Sir Peter Ustinov. He died on March 28, 2004.
