Introduction
Leslie Howard is a name that might not be familiar to many people, but he was a British actor, director, and producer who was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his roles in movies such as “Gone with the Wind” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” However, his life was cut short in a tragic plane crash during World War II. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the personal life, movies, and legacy of Leslie Howard.
Leslie Howard’s Personal Life
Family and Children
Leslie Howard was born on April 3, 1893, in London, England. He was the son of a Hungarian-Jewish father and an English mother. Howard married Ruth Evelyn Martin in 1916, and they had two children, Ronald and Leslie Ruth. His daughter, Leslie Ruth, followed in her father’s footsteps and became an actress.
Wife and Relationships
Howard’s marriage to Ruth Evelyn Martin was not a happy one, and they eventually separated in the early 1930s. He then had a relationship with actress Merle Oberon, but it was short-lived. Howard later married Violette Cunnington in 1938, and they remained married until his death.
Leslie Howard’s Movies
Early Career
Howard began his acting career in the theater in the early 1910s. He made his film debut in 1914 in “The Heroine of Mons.” However, it was not until the 1930s that he became a popular movie star. Some of his early movies include “Outward Bound” (1930), “The Animal Kingdom” (1932), and “Berkeley Square” (1933).
Breakthrough and Success
Howard’s breakthrough role came in 1934 when he played the lead in “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” He went on to star in other successful movies such as “Pygmalion” (1938), “Gone with the Wind” (1939), and “Intermezzo” (1939). Howard was also a director and producer, and he directed and starred in the movie “Pimpernel Smith” (1941).
Leslie Howard’s Legacy
Plane Crash
On June 1, 1943, Leslie Howard was traveling from Lisbon to London on a civilian flight when it was shot down by German fighter planes. Everyone on board, including Howard, was killed. The cause of the attack is still unknown, but it is believed that the Germans mistook the plane for a military aircraft.
Impact on Film Industry
Leslie Howard’s death was a great loss to the film industry. He was a talented actor, director, and producer who had contributed greatly to the world of cinema. His legacy lives on through his movies, which are still watched and appreciated by audiences today.
Memoir by Daughter
Leslie Howard’s daughter, Leslie Ruth Howard, wrote a memoir about her father called “A Quite Remarkable Father.” In the book, she shares her memories of her father and the impact he had on her life. The memoir is a touching tribute to a man who was not only a great actor but also a loving father.
Conclusion
Leslie Howard’s life was cut short, but his legacy lives on. He was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the world of cinema. His personal life was not without its challenges, but he was a devoted father to his children. Leslie Howard’s movies continue to be watched and appreciated by audiences today, and his memory will always be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
FAQ
Who was Leslie Howard?
Leslie Howard was a British actor and director who rose to prominence in the 1930s. He is best known for his roles in films such as “Gone with the Wind” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”
What was Leslie Howard’s family like?
Leslie Howard was married to Ruth Evelyn Martin, with whom he had two children. His daughter, Leslie Ruth Howard, became an actress and his son, Ronald Howard, also became an actor.
What happened in Leslie Howard’s plane crash?
Leslie Howard’s plane was shot down by German fighter planes over the Bay of Biscay during World War II. He was traveling from Lisbon, Portugal to Bristol, England when the plane was attacked. All 17 passengers on board were killed.
What was Leslie Howard’s legacy?
Leslie Howard’s legacy includes his contributions to the film industry, his humanitarian efforts during World War II, and his impact on the lives of those who knew him. He is remembered as a talented actor and director who made a lasting impact on the film industry.
