Hugh Griffith

Winner of the Oscar for best supporting actor, Ben-Hur.

Born:

30 DEC 1912

Place of Birth:

Marianglas, Anglesey

School:

Llangefni Grammar School

Trivia:

Though Ben-Hur was supposedly set in Roman times, a few mod cons creep into view, including a real car in the famous chariot race.

Biography:

Hugh Emrys Griffith (pictured far left) is one of the many fine Welsh actors to have found success and earned the respect of Hollywood.

He was born in Marianglas, Anglesey, to William and Mary Griffith. After completing his education locally, he sat the entrance examinations for university, but failed the English paper and so was persuaded to enter the safe career of banking. He worked at branches of the National Provincial at Llandudno, Llangefni, Mold and Abersoch, whilst in his spare time teaching young people drama at the national Welsh youth movement, the Urdd. Still yearning for the stage himself, Hugh transferred jobs to London, and began to act with the St Pancras People's Theatre, finally gaining a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), coming top out of an intake of 300.

Hugh had found his niche. He gained the Bancroft Gold Medal for the best Shakespearean actor of his year, going on to make the demanding role of King Lear his own. His acting career was put on hold as World War II loomed, and he served as a soldier in India and Burma.

After recovering his health, he returned to the stage as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before going to Hollywood with his bride, Margaret Belgunder von Dechend, in 1947.

In the cast of one of most acclaimed films of the 20th century, Hugh won an Oscar alongside Charlton Heston for his portrayal of the Sheikh who befriended the prince of Judea, Ben-Hur. He was further nominated for his role in the 1963 film Tom Jones and took part in the 1968 acclaimed version of Oliver. He stayed in the business until his death in 1980, starring in The Last Days of Dolwyn, The Sleeping Tiger, Exodus, Cry of the Banshee, Wuthering Heights, Loving Cousins, the Titfield Thunderbolt and the Passover Plot. TV and rugby fans will remember him fondly for his role, alongside Windsor Davies, in the 1970s BBC Wales comedy-drama Grand Slam.

Despite failing to gain entry the first time round, Hugh Griffith was presented with an honorary D.Litt degree by the University of Wales, Bangor, before his death in 1980. He is commemorated by a plaque in Marianglas primary school.

your comments

Hywel Gwynfryn, Cardiff
I'm writing a biography of Hugh Griffith, and would be grateful if any relation or friend of his who has any information about him could contact me at hywel.gwynfryn@bbc.co.uk.
Thu Apr 9 16:40:28 2009

Owen Klatte, Los Angeles
Hugh Griffiths was my mother's first cousin. Growing up in Wisconsin, we were very proud of his career, and I was happy to visit his sister in Marianglas in the 1980s and hold his Oscar. My oldest brother once had a brief conversation about Hugh with Vincent Price, who remembered him warmly. I'd love to hear more stories about him.
Mon Apr 6 11:19:46 2009

Simon Williams, Harlech
I see my niece's comments (Charlotte)about "Uncle Hugh". I grew up so proud to have an oscar winner in the familly, someone who was part of the Welsh gang in London in their earlier acting days, where Hugh is documented for being a drinking buddy of Richard Burton, and recently read Patrick Mower. I can vouch for the eye brows and loved Hugh's voice so full of passion. Anyone related contact me simonlloydwilliams@hotmail.com
Mon Nov 24 10:24:19 2008

Vicky Wynne Owen
Hugh Griffith was my Grandad's cousin.
Mon Nov 17 10:53:12 2008

M>J Winterburn, Porthcawl, formely of Llanfairpwll
Hugh Griffith was my grandfather's nephew. I knew him when he worked in the Bank in LLangefni
Thu Aug 21 09:17:24 2008

Margaret Roth, California, U.S.A.
Huw Griffith, what a great actor! I was so proud to know him and to have talked with him on first coming to California in the '50s. Of course, his sister, "Miss Griffiths" as my beloved kindergarten teacher, who, graciously, came to see me on a visit home to Moelfre, in 1978. I am, always, proud to announce, to one and all, when he is in a film - "He's Welsh, you know!!"
Fri Aug 1 09:19:57 2008

gruff roberts, diserth
Does anyone know anything about Hugh Griffiths' time as a soldier in Burma?
Mon Jan 21 09:09:04 2008

Charlotte Williams, Cardiff
Hugh Griffith was my Grandad's cousin. As my Gramps was an only child he regarded Hugh as a brother. Everyone in my family has those crazy eyebrows! Though not me thankfully! I would be interested to hear how Katherine is related to him. Incidentally, my mother's mother was Howard Marks' auntie, and Gareth Thomas the rugby player is my cousin!
Mon Mar 5 10:31:25 2007

Katherine from Beverley
I have just found out after many years that this wonderful man was my great uncle. What lovely comments and brilliant biography to help me understand the man i never met. Realising his passions and talent encouraged me to follow my own acting career! i hope its 'in the blood'
Tue Feb 27 10:12:19 2007

Simon Harper from London
A very great actor - my mother's family are from Marianglas and my grandfather John Williams used to sit next to Hugh at primary school in the 1920s. His sister Elen Wyn Rogers continued to live in Marianglas for many years and when I was a little boy she invited me round for tea to view and hold the oscar Hugh won for BEN HUR - a big thrill!
Thu Aug 31 09:21:58 2006

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