Basil Rathbone, MC, Kt (13 June 1892 – 21 July 1967), was an English actor. He rose to prominence in England as a Shakespearean stage actor and went on to appear in over 70 films, primarily costume dramas, swashbucklers, and, occasionally, horror films. He frequently portrayed suave villains or morally ambiguous characters, such as Murdstone in David Copperfield (1935) and Sir Guy of Gisbourne in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). His most famous role, however, was heroic—that of Sherlock Holmes in fourteen Hollywood films made between 1939 and 1946 and in a radio series. His later career included Broadway and television work; he received a Tony Award in 1948 as Best Actor in a Play.

Basil Rathbone

Acting Born June 13, 1892 – Died July 21, 1967 Johannesburg, South African Republic

Basil Rathbone, MC, Kt (13 June 1892 – 21 July 1967), was an English actor. He rose to prominence in England as a Shakespearean stage actor and went on to appear in over 70 films, primarily costume dramas, swashbucklers, and, occasionally, horror films. He frequently portrayed suave villains or morally ambiguous characters, such as Murdstone in David Copperfield (1935) and Sir Guy of Gisbourne in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). His most famous role, however, was heroic—that of Sherlock Holmes in fourteen Hollywood films made between 1939 and 1946 and in a radio series. His later career included Broadway and television work; he received a Tony Award in 1948 as Best Actor in a Play.

Known For

The Merv Griffin Show

Self

What's My Line?

Self

Dr. Kildare

Frederick Foray

Studio One

Hazelton Crome

Burke's Law

Milo James

Suspense

Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde

Suspense

Sherlock Holmes

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Narrator (segment "The Wind in the Willows")

The Jack Benny Program

Basil Rathbone

Lights Out

Your Show of Shows

Lux Video Theatre

Frampton