Donald Sinden

Donald Sinden

Deceased · Born: Oct 9, 1923 · Died: Sep 12, 2014

Personal Details

BornOct 9, 1923 Plymouth, Devon, England, UK
Parents
  • Alfred Edward Sinden
  • Mabel Agnes Fuller
Relatives
  • Leon Sinden (Sibling)
  • Hal Sinden (Grandchild)

Biography

Donald Sinden, the esteemed British actor, was born into a family of a country chemist, and initially aspired to pursue a career in architecture. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was spotted performing in an amateur theatrical production and subsequently invited to join a company that entertained troops during World War II. Due to his struggles with asthma, Sinden was rejected from naval service, but he continued to follow his passion for the performing arts.

Following a brief training at a prestigious drama school, Sinden established himself as a prominent figure in the world of theater, particularly in Shakespearean productions. He made his film debut in the 1953 movie "The Cruel Sea" and went on to become a leading man in British films throughout the 1950s. As his film appearances became less frequent, Sinden continued to work steadily in the theater, primarily with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and in television.

One of his most notable roles was as the unflappable butler in the popular television series "Two's Company" in 1975, showcasing his remarkable ability to maintain composure in the face of chaos. He also played a miserable in-law in the sitcom "Never the Twain" in 1981, further demonstrating his impressive range as an actor.

Career

2012
Run for Your Wife
Run for Your Wife as Man on Bus
2001
Judge John Deed
Judge John Deed as Sir Joseph Channing
1999
Nancherrow
Nancherrow as Robin Jarvis
Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland as Gryphon (voice)
1996
1995
Balto
Balto as Doc (voice)
1990
The Children
The Children as Lord Wrench
1981
Never the Twain
Never the Twain as Simon Peel
1975
That Lucky Touch
That Lucky Touch as British Gen. Armstrong
Two's Company
Two's Company as Robert Hiller
1974
1973
The National Health
The National Health as Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd
Father Dear Father
Father Dear Father as Philip Glover
1972
Rentadick
Rentadick as Jeffrey Armitage
1971
Villain
Villain as Gerald Draycott
1968
1962
Mix Me a Person
Mix Me a Person as Philip Bellamy, QC
1960
Your Money or Your Wife
Your Money or Your Wife as Pelham Butterworth
The Siege of Sidney Street
The Siege of Sidney Street as Inspector Mannering
1959
The Captain's Table
The Captain's Table as Chief Officer Shawe-Wilson
Operation Bullshine
Operation Bullshine as Lt. Gordon Brown
1958
Mad Little Island
Mad Little Island as Hugh Mander
1957
Doctor at Large
Doctor at Large as Dr. Tony Benskin
1956
The Black Tent
The Black Tent as Col. Sir Charles Holland
Tiger in the Smoke
Tiger in the Smoke as Geoffrey Leavitt
1955
Josephine and Men
Josephine and Men as Alan Hartley
Above Us the Waves
Above Us the Waves as Lieutenant Tom Corbett
Simba
Simba as Inspector Drummond
1954
Mad About Men
Mad About Men as Jeff Saunders
Doctor in the House
Doctor in the House as Tony Benskin
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber as Ewart Gray
1953
A Day to Remember
A Day to Remember as Jim Carver
The Cruel Sea
The Cruel Sea as Lockhart
Mogambo
Mogambo as Donald Nordley
1948
Lost Daughter
Lost Daughter as Minor Role