Hugh Griffith

Hugh Griffith was a Welsh actor, born May 30, 1912 in Marianglas and died May 14, 1980 in London. Hugh Griffith studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. A frequently used supporting actor in British and American films, he often played colorful characters. He is best known for his r... More

Hugh Griffith was a Welsh actor, born May 30, 1912 in Marianglas and died May 14, 1980 in London. Hugh Griffith studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. A frequently used supporting actor in British and American films, he often played colorful characters. He is best known for his role as Sheik Ilderim in William Wyler's Ben-Hur (a comedic performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor). He played Audrey Hepburn's flamboyant father, a forger and son of a forger, in Wyler's How to Steal a Million. He suffered a heart attack and died on May 14, 1980, at the age of 67.