August London and New York stage performer who entered films in 1921 and specialized in playing the great historical figures--such as "Disraeli" (1921 and 1929), "Alexander Hamilton" (1931), "Voltaire" (1933), and "Cardinal Richelieu" (1935)--that had made him famous in the theater. Known as "The First Gentleman of the Screen" in the 1930s, Arliss occasionally appeared with his wife, Florence Montgomery Arliss; their son Leslie was a screenwriter and director.
Family
FATHER: William Arliss-Andrews. Printer and publisher.
SON: Leslie Arliss. Director, screenwriter.
Companion
WIFE: Florence Arliss. Actor. Born 1873, died in Lomdon, February 5, 1946; appeared in supporting roles in several of her husband's films, for example as Lady Beaconsfield in both the silent and sound versions of "Disraeli"; Arliss retired to care for her after she went blind.
Milestone
Began with the Elephant and Castle theater; reportedly on stage for almost a year before given a line to speak; first part in "Vidocq"
1890: First West End appearance (bit), "Across Her Path"
1900: First starring role on London stage opposite Mrs. Patrick Campbell in "Mr & Mrs Daventry"
1902: Successful Broadway debut opposite Campbell in Shaw's "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray"
1910: First created most famous role, "Disraeli" (date approximate)
1920: First major film role, recreating stage role in "The Devil"
1923: Triumphant return to London stage in "The Green Goddess" after 22 years in America (date approximate)
1923: Became first president of the Episcopal Actors Guild in New York; held position for 15 years
1924: Returned to American stage
1928: Last formal stage appearance, "What Shall It Profit?" (Which he co-wrote)
1929: Returned to film after six years to make talkie debut in title role of "Disraeli" (which he had filmed previously in 1921)
1937: Last film, "Dr. Syn", made in England
Received honorary degree from Columbia University in 1919
Plays written by Arliss include "The Wild Rabbit," "There and Back," "Widow's Weeds," "The West End" (with Sir George Dance), "Hamilton" (with Mrs. Hamlin), and "What Shall It Profit?" (with Brander Matthews).
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