Peter Ustinov was an English actor, writer and ambassador.
Biography[]
Born in London, England, he made his theatrical debut at the Players' Theatre whilst writing plays of his own, most famously Romanoff and Juliet. He became recognised onscreen for his grandiose, theatrical performances, including Nero in Quo Vadis and an Academy Award winning turn in Spartacus. He also provided the voice of the villainous, cowardly Prince John (and his older brother Richard) in Disney's Robin Hood.
As well as acting, Ustinov also directed a number of operas and even performed the costume and set designs for several productions. He was well known for his anecdotes, and was a popular chat show guest. Outside of showbusiness, Ustinov worked for UNICEF, and was knighted for his works.
He died in 2004, aged 82.
Singing[]
Throughout his career, Ustinov sang a number of times, firstly in one of his earliest films, We're No Angels, with Humphrey Bogart and Aldo Ray and later in The Sundowners, singing "Botany Bay" with Robert Mitchum, Deborah Kerr and Glynis Johns. He had also performed as Nero in Quo Vadis
As well as releasing comedy single Three Depressing Love Songs, Ustinov would go on to sing in two further films, Blackbeard's Ghost and Animal Farm, for which he appeared on the respective soundtracks.
Films[]
Quo Vadis (1951)[]
- The Burning of Rome (solo)
We're No Angels (1955)[]
- Three Angels
The Sundowners (1960)[]
- Botany Bay
Blackbeard's Ghost (1968)[]
- Heart of Oak (contains solo lines)
Animal Farm (1999)[]
- Beasts of the World (contains solo lines)
Albums[]
Phoney Folklore[]
- Three Depressing Love Songs
