George Sanders

George Sanders

Born:July 3, 1906

Place of Birth:Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire [now Russia]

Died:April 25, 1972

Known For:Acting

Biography

George Sanders, born George Henry Sanders on July 3, 1906, was a multi-talented British artist whose legacy extended beyond acting. Over his illustrious career, spanning four decades, Sanders left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry as an actor, singer-songwriter, music composer, and author. His distinctive heavy upper-class English accent and velvety bass voice became synonymous with portraying sophisticated yet often villainous characters on screen.

One of Sanders' most memorable roles was as the enigmatic Jack Favell in the classic film "Rebecca" (1940), where he captivated audiences with his portrayal of a charming but morally ambiguous character. Despite often being cast as the antagonist, Sanders showcased his versatility by taking on heroic roles like Scott ffolliott in "Foreign Correspondent" (1940), showcasing a different facet of his acting prowess.

Sanders' talent and charisma shone through in a variety of roles, from portraying The Saran of Gaza in the epic "Samson and Delilah" (1949) to embodying the cunning Addison DeWitt in "All About Eve" (1950), a performance that earned him an Academy Award. His portrayal of Sir Brian De Bois-Guilbert in "Ivanhoe" (1952) and King Richard the Lionheart in "King Richard and the Crusaders" (1954) further solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Beyond his film roles, Sanders also made a lasting impact in television, notably as Mr. Freeze in a memorable two-part episode of "Batman" (1966) and as the voice of the menacing Shere Khan in Disney's animated classic "The Jungle Book" (1967). His contribution to the entertainment industry was not limited to acting, as he also showcased his musical talents by composing songs and even trying his hand at writing.

Sanders' influence extended beyond the screen, with his portrayal of the suave crimefighter The Falcon and the iconic character Simon Templar, also known as The Saint, cementing his status as a beloved figure in film history. His ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters, whether heroic or villainous, set him apart as a true master of his craft.

Despite his success in Hollywood, Sanders' personal life was marked by struggles, including battles with depression. His tragic death in 1972 left a void in the entertainment world, but his legacy lives on through his timeless performances and contributions to film and television. George Sanders will always be remembered as a consummate artist who brought sophistication and charm to the silver screen, leaving an indelible imprint on cinema history.

Images

George Sanders
George Sanders
George Sanders

Filmography

Acting

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

Shere Khan the Tiger (voice)

1967

The boy Mowgli makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli "The Bare Necessities" of life and the true meaning of friendship.
All About Eve

All About Eve

Addison DeWitt

1950

From the moment she glimpses her idol at the stage door, Eve Harrington is determined to take the reins of power away from the great actress Margo Channing. Eve maneuvers her way into Margo's Broadway role, becomes a sensation and even causes turmoil in the lives of Margo's director boyfriend, her playwright and his wife. Only the cynical drama critic sees through Eve, admiring her audacity and perfect pattern of deceit.
Rebecca

Rebecca

Jack Favell

1940

Story of a young woman who marries a fascinating widower only to find out that she must live in the shadow of his former wife, Rebecca, who died mysteriously several years earlier. The young wife must come to grips with the terrible secret of her handsome, cold husband, Max De Winter. She must also deal with the jealous, obsessed Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, who will not accept her as the mistress of the house.
Samson and Delilah

Samson and Delilah

The Saran of Gaza

1949

When strongman Samson rejects the love of the beautiful Philistine woman Delilah, she seeks vengeance that brings horrible consequences they both regret.
A Shot in the Dark

A Shot in the Dark

Benjamin Ballon

1964

Inspector Jacques Clouseau, smitten with the accused maid Maria Gambrelli, unwittingly turns a straightforward murder investigation into a comedic series of mishaps, testing the patience of his irritable boss Charles Dreyfus as casualties mount.
Solomon and Sheba

Solomon and Sheba

Adonijah

1959

Near death, King David has a vision that his poet son, Solomon, should succeed him, rather than hot-headed Adonijah. Furious, Adonijah departs the court, swearing he will become king. Other rulers are concerned that Solomon's benevolent rule and interest in monotheism will threaten their tyrannical, polytheistic kingdoms. The Queen of Sheba makes an agreement with the Egyptian pharaoh to corrupt Solomon for their mutual benefit.
Village of the Damned

Village of the Damned

Gordon Zellaby

1960

In a small English village everyone suddenly falls unconscious. When they awake every woman of child bearing age is pregnant. The resulting children have the same strange blond hair, eyes and a strong connection to each other.
Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe

De Bois-Guilbert

1952

Sir Walter Scott's classic story of the chivalrous Ivanhoe who joins with Robin of Locksley in the fight against Prince John and for the return of King Richard the Lionheart.
Foreign Correspondent

Foreign Correspondent

Scott ffolliott

1940

American crime reporter John Jones is reassigned to Europe as a foreign correspondent to cover the imminent war. When he walks into the middle of an assassination and stumbles on a spy ring, he seeks help from a beautiful politician’s daughter and an urbane English journalist to uncover the truth.

Production