Stanley Holloway

Stanley Holloway Headshot

Actor • Comedian • Singer

Birth Date: October 1, 1890

Death Date: January 30, 1982

Birth Place: Manor Park, London, England, UK

One of the great monologists of the British stage, Stanley Holloway is probably most recognizable to filmgoers as Alfred P. Doolittle, who went on at great length about shirking his responsibilities in 1964's "My Fair Lady." But Holloway's career at that point was already approaching its twilight, having been preceded by decades of work in theatre, radio, and film.

He was in his early 30s when he decided to pursue show business full-time, and subsequently became part of the variety show troupe The Co-Optimists, whose act was adapted into a feature film in 1929. Steady film work followed, including jobs as narrator for a series of propaganda shorts aimed at lifting morale in Great Britain during World War II. Following the war, he landed some of his best-known film roles, including the supporting character Albert Godby in David Lean's 1945 drama, "Brief Encounter."

During this time, he also began making noteworthy comedies with Charles Crichton at Ealing Studios, including 1951's "The Lavender Hill Mob," now widely-considered a classic. Just as his film output was starting to slow, in '56 Holloway made a triumphant return to the stage, originating Alfred P. Doolittle for the musical production "My Fair Lady," which led to his reprising the part for the film. Prior to the "My Fair Lady" movie, he starred in the American sitcom "Our Man Higgins," Holloway's first time headlining for television.

He would try again for 1967's "Blandings Castle," but spent most of his last decade of productivity in films.

Expand Bio▼

Credits

The Private Life of Sherlock HolmesStream

Actor
Gravedigger
Movie
1970
89%

Ten Little IndiansStream

Actor
William Blore
Movie
1965

My Fair LadyStream

Actor
Alfred P. Doolittle
Movie
1964
95%

The Lavender Hill MobStream

Actor
Alfred Pendlebury
Movie
1951
100%

HamletStream

Actor
Gravedigger
Movie
1948
96%

Brief EncounterStream

Actor
Albert Godby
Movie
1945
91%

This Happy BreedStream

Actor
Bob Mitchell
Movie
1944
100%