Leo G. Carroll

British thespian Leo G. Carroll began acting comparatively late, appearing on stage for the very first time at the age of 26 and then suspending his budding career to join the British Army during World War II. But by the late 1920s, Carroll was working regularly in both the West End and Broadway, and made his film debut in 1934. Acclaimed roles as Marley's Ghost opposite Reginald Owen as Scrooge in the 1938 "A Christmas Carol" and as Joseph in William Wyler's classic adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" were followed by a string of films by the great Alfred Hitchcock, including pivotal roles in "Rebecca," "Spellbound," "Strangers On A Train," and "North By Northwest."

Carroll also had a facility for comedy, best seen as the splendidly sycophantic caterer in "Father of the Bride" and in three seasons as the straight-laced milquetoast Cosmo Topper in the paranormal situation comedy "Topper." Carroll returned to television for what would become his most famous role, as Alexander Waverly, head of international spy organization UNCLE, in "The Man From UNCLE" and its short-lived spinoff "The Girl From UNCLE," as well as several quickly-made film sequels. Carroll died in 1972.