Peter Ustinov

Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov (1921-2004) was an English actor, dramatist and film director.

He went to Westminster School and the London Theatre Studio, making his acting debut in 1938. He served in the Army in World War II but subsequently was active as an entertainer until his death.

He was regarded as among the most versatile talents of British and American showbusiness, being an accomplished actor, play and film director, author, conversationalist and raconteur. He won Academy Awards for Spartacus (1960) and Topkapi (1964). He also won a TV Emmy for his performance as Dr. Samuel Johnson.

Honours

Ustinov was made CBE in 1975 and knighted in 1990. He was a fellow of the Royal Societies of Arts and of Literature. He was Chancellor, Durham University, 1992-2004, Rector of the University of Dundee, 1971–73 and a goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, 1969.