Stanley Holloway

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.