Born in St Brides Wentlooge, a quaint town in Gwent, Wales, United Kingdom, the future thespian was raised in a strict Congregationalist household, surrounded by the Welsh language, which would later influence his artistic endeavors. Initially, he embarked on a career in the drapery trade, serving as an apprentice in Newport, Wales. However, it was the captivating performance of "It's Never Too Late to Mend" at the Old Victoria Hall, Newport, that sparked his passion for acting. Starting his stage career in South Wales, his first engagement was a reading of Shakespeare's works at a Cardiff chapel, a humble beginning that would eventually lead to a lifetime of performances.
In 1890, fate intervened when he met a touring group on a train, and he was persuaded to replace a sick actor, marking the beginning of his professional journey. His first professional engagement was in "The Grip Of Iron" at the Theatre Royal, Bristol, where he honed his craft in the provinces. He made his London debut at the Shakespeare Theatre Clapham on July 19, 1897, adopting the stage name Lyn due to the difficulties the English had in pronouncing his given name, Llewellyn.
Throughout his illustrious career, he appeared in various stage, screen, and radio productions, touring the world, including the United States, India, Burma, and Japan, sharing the stage with notable actors such as John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, and Anthony Quayle. He was particularly renowned for his portrayal of villains, including the sinister Svengali, Professor Moriarty, and Bill Sikes in "Oliver Twist".
In his twilight years, he continued to perform, taking on the role of Abu Hassan in "Chu Chin Chow" in the West End in 1941, at the age of 74. Additionally, he played Owain Glyndwr in Shakespeare's "Henry VII" for the BBC 3rd Programme when he was nearly 80. Sadly, his life was cut short due to a long illness, and he passed away in 1952. A memorial to him can be found in the Chapel House Inn, a public house in his hometown of St Brides Wentlooge, which was once owned by his uncle. The plaque was originally located in his old school, but was relocated when the school closed.
