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George Arliss (10 April 1868 – 5 February 1946) was an English actor, author and filmmaker who found success in the United States. He was the first British actor to win an Academy Award. Born George Augustus Andrews in London, England and educated at Harrow, he started work in his father's publishing office but left age eighteen to go on the stage. He began his acting career on the stage in the English provinces in 1887. By 1900, he was playing London's West End in supporting roles. He embarked for a tour of America in 1901 in Mrs Patrick Campbell's troupe. Intending to remain in the... MORE

George Arliss (10 April 1868 – 5 February 1946) was an English actor, author and filmmaker who found success in the United States. He was the first British actor to win an Academy Award. Born George Augustus Andrews in London, England and educated at Harrow, he started work in his father's publishing office but left age eighteen to go on the stage. He began his acting career on the stage in the English provinces in 1887. By 1900, he was playing London's West End in supporting roles. He embarked for a tour of America in 1901 in Mrs Patrick Campbell's troupe. Intending to remain in the U.S. only for the length of the tour, Arliss stayed for twenty years, eventually becoming a star in 1908 in The Devil. Producer George Tyler commissioned Louis Napoleon Parker in 1911 to write a play specifically tailored for Arliss and the actor toured in Disraeli for five years, eventually becoming closely identified with the 19th century British prime minister. He began his film career with The Devil (1921), followed by Disraeli and four other silent films. Today, only The Devil, $20 a Week and The Green Goddess (1923), based on the hit stage play in which he had starred, are known to have survived. LESS