Biography for
Robert Morley (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

26 May 1908, Semley, Wiltshire, England, UK

Date of Death

3 June 1992, Wargrave, Berkshire, England, UK (stroke)

Birth Name

Robert Adolph Wilton Morley

Height

6' 0½" (1.84 m)

Mini Biography

English character actor Robert Morley was educated in England, Germany, France and Italy. His family planned for him to go into the diplomatic service but he liked the idea of acting more. After studying at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London he appeared on the London stage in 1929 and in 1938 he first appeared on Broadway as the lead in Ocsar Wilde. His film debut was as Louis XVI with Norma Shearer in Marie Antoinette (1938). A regular series of supporting roles kept him occupied and he made regular appearances on TV as an exceptionally witty guest on various talk shows.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk>

Spouse

Joan Buckmaster

(1940 - 3 June 1992) (his death) 3 children

Trivia

His son, Sheridan Morley, was a distinguished London Theatre critic and writer.

Wife, Joan, was the daughter of Gladys Cooper

Children with Joan Buckmaster, Sheridan Morley, Annabel Morley, Wilton Morley.

He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1957 New Year's Honours List for his services to Drama.

When asked to give a talk at his old school, Wellington, he said the only reason he would return to the school would be to burn it down.

Was among those offered the cameo part of Cryus West (eventually played by Wilfrid Hyde-White) in The Cat and the Canary (1978).

He allegedly declined a knighthood for his services to drama.

Stepuncle-in-law of Emma Hardy and Justine Hardy.

Brother-in-law of John Buckmaster.

Stepbrother-in-law of Sally Pearson, Robert Hardy and John Merivale.

Upon his death, his remains were interred at St. Mary's Churchyard, Mill Green, Station Road, Wargrave, Berkshire, England.

In the last years of his life, he became somewhat estranged from his son, Sheridan Morley, following the latter's divorce from his first wife, Margaret. Robert Morley was especially fond of this daughter-in-law, a well-known novelist who was also his biographer.

Personal Quotes

It is a great help for a man to be in love with himself. For an actor it is absolutely essential.

Show me the man who has enjoyed his schooldays and I will show you a bully and a bore.

Anyone who works is a fool. I don't work; I merely inflict myself on the public.

Actors live in a cocoon of praise. They never meet the people who don't like them.