Words: Guy Aubrey Devito
They are the smooth operators of the silver screen, the troubadours of tinseltown and the chicest of the cinema – they have delighted audiences for over 100 years on the big screen, these are the top 10 gentlemen actors of all time.
10. JAMES MASON
Marlborough educated Mason was a true gentlemen of film, possessing striking looks and a crisp RP drawl, he starred in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Lolita, and The Boy’s from Brazil.
9. DOMINIC WEST
The Wire star is a brilliant actor and a true gentleman to boot, from an Anglo-Irish provenance, West retains close links to the old country.
8. STEPHEN FRY
The wonderfully old-fashioned Stephen Fry is a British national treasure and although he has recently become known for his writing and presenting, his main trade will always be acting.
7. DENNIS PRICE
Price played Jeeves in the 1960’s television adaptations of P.G. Wodehouse’s famous stories, he also played Louis Mazzini in the quite brilliant Kind Hearts and Coronets.
6. GEORGE CLOONEY
For many years, the world’s most eligible bachelor, Clooney has now settled down to married life and is focused on political and human rights campaigning as well as his acting.
5. OLIVER REED
Younger readers will know him as Proximo, from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator but his career started way back in the 50’s. A brilliant roguish sort of gentleman, Reed’s exploits are the stuff of legend.
4. ORSON WELLES
The star and director of Citizen Kane has one of the greatest legacies in the whole of film and is known for his work on stage, in film and on the radio.
3. SIR ROGER MOORE
Sir Roger will be remembered for the rest of time as James Bond; he played the indestructible spy a record seven times. A true gentleman, Moore is perhaps more similar in character to 007 than any other actor who portrayed him.
2. SIR MICHAEL CAINE
One of the UK’s most recognisable actors, Sir Michael Caine has appeared in over 115 films, charming the world with his distinctive Cockney accent in the process. Off-screen he’s every bit the quintessential English gentleman.
1. CARY GRANT
Grant is the defining leading man of the 20th century, most well-known for his insatiable charm and wit, both on-screen and off. This, combined with his impeccable dress sense and dashing good looks, makes him our top gentleman actor of all time.
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