Born: December 27, 1911 – Died: October 19, 2003
Born in Hendon, Middlesex, England, Guy Rolfe was a distinguished British character actor known for his captivating presence on both stage and screen. With a background that included stints as a professional race car driver and boxer in his early twenties, Rolfe made a seamless transition into the world of films. His career saw him in a wide range of roles, from wealthy businessmen to romantic leads and sinister villains. However, it was his appearance in the classic film "Ivanhoe" alongside Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor in 1952 that solidified his place in cinematic history. Rolfe's contributions to the entertainment industry spanned over thirty motion pictures, leaving an enduring mark on the world of film.
Early Life and Career
Guy Rolfe's path to stardom took an unconventional route, as he initially pursued a career in racing cars and boxing during his twenties.
He ventured into the world of acting in the mid-1930s, making his stage debut in 1936. Shortly thereafter, in 1937, he had a small uncredited role in the film "Knight Without Armor."
Guy Rolfe's pivotal moment came in 1952 when he starred in "Ivanhoe" alongside notable actors like Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor. This film marked a significant turning point in his career, earning him recognition and acclaim in the industry.
Throughout his career, Guy Rolfe played diverse roles in over thirty motion pictures, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His contributions to classic films and the "Puppet Master" franchise left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
Regarding his personal life, Guy Rolfe was married to Margaret Allworthy until his death in 2003 at the age of 91.
In the world of entertainment, Guy Rolfe is remembered for his distinctive presence and contributions to both stage and screen, cementing his status as a respected character actor. He stands out for his unique career path and memorable performances in classic films.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Retro Puppet Master (Video) | Elder Toulon |
| 1994 | Puppet Master 5 (Video) | Toulon |
| 1993 | Puppet Master 4 (Video) | Toulon |
| 1991 | Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge (Video) | Andre Toulon |
| 1988–1989 | Crossbow (TV Series) | The Emperor | The Emporer | Rex ... |
| 1989 | Uncle Silas (TV Mini Series) | Dr. Bryerly |
| 1987 | Visiting Mr. Beak (Short) | Mr. Beak |
| 1986 | Dolls | Gabriel Hartwicke |
| 1985 | The Bride | Count |
| 1984 | The Case of Marcel Duchamp | Sherlock Holmes |
| 1981 | Kessler (TV Mini Series) | Yqueras |
| 1979 | Bloodline | Tod Michaels |
| 1978 | Secret Army (TV Series) | Oberst von Elmendorff |
| 1976 | Space: 1999 (TV Series) | Magus |
| 1975 | Churchill's People (TV Series) | Earl of Strafford |
| 1973 | And Now the Screaming Starts! | Maitland |
| 1971 | Nicholas and Alexandra | Dr. Fedorov |
| 1969 | Department S (TV Series) | Yves de Charolais |
| 1969 | Land Raiders | Major Tanner |
| 1969 | The Avengers (TV Series) | Travers |
| 1969 | Mogul (TV Series) | Paul Boulet |
| 1968 | The Champions (TV Series) | Walter Pelham |
| 1968 | Armchair Theatre (TV Series) | The Captain |
| 1967 | Love Story (TV Series) | Jeremy |
| 1967 | The Revenue Men (TV Series) | Paddy Sullivan |
| 1967 | The Saint (TV Series) | David Bradley |
| 1965 | The Alphabet Murders | Duncan Doncaster |
| 1964 | The Fall of the Roman Empire | Marius (uncredited) |
| 1962 | Taras Bulba | Prince Grigory |
| 1961 | King of Kings | Caiaphas |
| 1961 | Mr. Sardonicus | Sardonicus |
| 1961 | Snow White and the Three Stooges | Count Oga |
| 1961 | Thriller (TV Series) | Vladimir Vicek |
| 1960 | ITV Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Mr. Krane |
| 1960 | The Barbarians | Kainus - Governor of Carthage |
| 1960 | Interpol Calling (TV Series) | Mr. George |
| 1959 | The Stranglers of Bombay | Capt. Harry Lewis |
| 1959 | Yesterday's Enemy | Padre |
| 1959 | The Widow of Bath (TV Series) | Charles Atkinson |
| 1958 | Murder in Mind (TV Movie) | Charlie Paden |
| 1958 | Girls at Sea | Capt. Alwin Maitland |
| 1958 | BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) | Andre Merin |
| 1957 | Hour of Mystery (TV Series) | Dr. Philip Graham |
| 1957 | Light Fingers | Dennis Payne |
| 1957 | You Can't Escape | David Anstruther |
| 1956 | ITV Play of the Week (TV Series) | John Fothergill |
| 1956 | It's Never Too Late | Stephen Hodgson |
| 1954 | Dance Little Lady | John Ransome |
| 1953 | Operation Diplomat | Mark Fenton |
| 1953 | King of the Khyber Rifles | Karram Khan |
| 1953 | The Veils of Bagdad | Kasseim |
| 1953 | Young Bess | Ned Seymour |
| 1952 | Without the Prince (TV Movie) | The Stranger |
| 1952 | Ivanhoe | Prince John |
| 1951 | Home to Danger | Robert Irving |
| 1950 | Prelude to Fame | John Morell |
| 1950 | The Inheritance | Lord Carlyon |
| 1949 | The Spider and the Fly | Philippe de Ledocq |
| 1949 | Which Will Ye Have? (Short) | Captain of the guard |
| 1949 | Fools Rush In | Paul Dickson |
| 1949 | Lost Daughter | Major Lawrence |
| 1948 | Saraband | Envoy at Ahlden |
| 1948 | The Guardsman (TV Movie) | The actor |
| 1948 | Broken Journey | Fox |
| 1948 | Easy Money | Archie (segment The Teddy Ball Story) |
| 1947 | The Inheritance | Sepulchre Hawkes |
| 1947 | The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby | Mr. Folair (uncredited) |
| 1947 | Meet Me at Dawn | Ambassador's Friend (uncredited) |
| 1947 | Odd Man Out | Policeman Watching Kathleen's House (uncredited) |
| 1947 | Hungry Hill | Miner |
| 1938 | The Drum | Undetermined Role (uncredited) |
| 1937 | Dinner at the Ritz | Dancer at The Ritz (uncredited) |
| 1937 | Knight Without Armor | Russian Officer in Bookshop (uncredited) |