David Farrar was born in London and dropped out of school at the tender age of 14. He began his career as a writer for the Morning Advertiser newspaper, but soon discovered his true passion lay in the world of acting.
Farrar's stage debut occurred in 1932, and just five years later, he made his film debut. Initially, he appeared in low-budget thrillers, such as Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror (1938),before working his way up to more prestigious projects, including Ealing's Went the Day Well? (1942).
Farrar's big break came when he collaborated with renowned directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger on a series of films, most notably the classic Black Narcissus (1947). His brooding good looks and deep, rich baritone voice won him a legion of female fans across the US and Europe, and soon, Hollywood came calling.
Farrar journeyed to Universal as a contract player, but the studio relegated him to a succession of second-tier action pictures and costume dramas as a villain. He returned to England somewhat disillusioned by his Hollywood experiences and determined to make a better name for himself in his own country's film industry.
However, he was unable to regain the momentum he had before leaving for Hollywood. After a small role as King Xerxes of Persia in the Greek-shot The 300 Spartans (1962),he left film acting and turned his attention to television.
Farrar's wife passed away in 1976, and he subsequently retired from acting altogether. He moved to the Natal coast in South Africa with his daughter Barbara, where he spent the remainder of his days until his passing at the age of 87 in 1995.
