Laurence Harvey

HARVEY, Laurence. Original name Skikne. (1928-1973). Stage and film actor. Born in Lithuania, grew up in Johannesburg, went to school at Athlone High School. First appearance was in Cottage to Let for the Johannesburg REPS in 1943. Member of the UDF Entertainment Unit from 1943-1946, performing in the show The Bandoliers in 1945-46. Spent 3 months at London's RADA in 1946, then did a season in Manchester. In 1951 he appeared in London in Hassan and went on to join the Shakespeare Memorial Company in 1952. Later contracted by Warner Brothers as writer, actor and director and best remembered though for his illustrious film career, which began in 1947 and included such films as Three men in a boat, Butterfield 8, Room at the Top and The Alamo. (See Du Toit, 1988; Hartnoll, 19**) [TH, JH]

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