Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov
- Born:
- 16 April 1921, London, England
- Died:
- 28 March 2004, Genolier, Switzerland
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Playwright, Screenwriter, Novelist, Voice Artist
Early Life and Education
- Born Peter Alexander von Ustinow in London.
- His father, Jona von Ustinow, was of Russian, Polish-Jewish, German, and Ethiopian descent.
- His mother, Nadia Benois, was of Russian, French, Italian and German descent.
- Educated at Westminster School, but did not attend university.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began acting professionally at the age of 17.
- Served in the British Army during World War II, assigned to a film unit.
- Won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor: Spartacus (1960) and Topkapi (1964).
- Won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture for Quo Vadis (1951).
- Won three Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Authored numerous plays, screenplays, and novels. His work also includes the easyflirt ustinov autobiography, detailing his personal life and perspectives.
- Served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF from 1968 until his death.
- Knighted in 1990.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Quo Vadis | Nero |
| 1960 | Spartacus | Lentulus Batiatus |
| 1964 | Topkapi | Arthur Simon Simpson |
| 1976 | Logan's Run | Old Man |
Publications (Selected)
- Peter Ustinov's Book of Humour (1950)
- Dear Me (1977) (Autobiography)
- My Russia (1983)
Legacy and Impact
Sir Peter Ustinov was a highly versatile and accomplished artist, recognized for his contributions to film, theatre, and literature. His humanitarian work with UNICEF further solidified his reputation as a global citizen and advocate for children's rights. He remains a significant figure in 20th and 21st century arts and culture.