Introduction
Stephen Boyd was an Irish actor known for his roles in popular films such as “Ben-Hur,” “The Fall of the Roman Empire,” and “Fantastic Voyage.” Born in 1931 in Northern Ireland, Boyd had a successful career in Hollywood before his untimely death in 1977. In this blog post, we will explore Boyd’s life and career, including his early years, his relationship with his brother Alex, his notable films, and his children.
Early Years and Career Beginnings
Stephen Boyd was born William Millar in Glengormley, Northern Ireland, in 1931. He grew up in a working-class family and left school at the age of 14 to work in a variety of jobs, including as a bus conductor and a bookkeeper. Boyd eventually moved to London, where he studied acting and began performing in stage productions. He made his film debut in 1956 in “The Man Who Never Was,” and soon after, he changed his name to Stephen Boyd.
Boyd’s breakthrough role came in 1959 when he played the villainous Messala in “Ben-Hur,” opposite Charlton Heston. The film was a massive success and earned Boyd critical acclaim for his performance. He went on to star in several other high-profile films, including “The Fall of the Roman Empire” and “Fantastic Voyage.”
Stephen Boyd’s Brother Alex Boyd
Stephen Boyd had a close relationship with his brother Alex Boyd, who was also an actor. Alex appeared in several films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “The Young Ones” and “The Devil’s Agent.” However, Alex never achieved the same level of success as his brother Stephen. Alex passed away in 2008 at the age of 68.
Notable Films
Aside from “Ben-Hur,” Stephen Boyd appeared in several other notable films throughout his career. In “The Fall of the Roman Empire,” he played the role of Livius, a Roman soldier who becomes embroiled in a power struggle with the emperor Commodus (played by Christopher Plummer). In “Fantastic Voyage,” Boyd played the role of Grant, a scientist who is shrunk down to microscopic size and injected into a patient’s body.
Other notable films that Boyd appeared in include “The Oscar,” “The Caper of the Golden Bulls,” and “Shalako.”
Children
Stephen Boyd had two children, a son named Liam and a daughter named Amanda. Liam Boyd followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor, appearing in several films and TV shows throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Amanda Boyd pursued a career in fashion and worked as a fashion designer in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Stephen Boyd was a talented actor who left a lasting legacy in Hollywood. Despite his relatively short career, he appeared in several iconic films and left an indelible mark on the industry. His relationship with his brother Alex, his notable films, and his children all contribute to the fascinating story of Stephen Boyd’s life and career.
