Michael Rennie, a renowned British actor, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with a stint as a car salesman and factory manager before he discovered his true calling in the world of acting.
A serendipitous encounter with a Gaumont-British Studios casting director led to Rennie's first acting job, which was a stand-in role for Robert Young in the 1936 film "Secret Agent," directed by the illustrious Alfred Hitchcock.
After gaining some stage experience, working in repertory in York and Windsor, Rennie returned to films and achieved star status with his role in "I'll Be Your Sweetheart" (1945).
In 1950, Rennie was brought to Hollywood and signed a contract with Darryl F. Zanuck, the studio head, and was subsequently cast in his most iconic role as Klaatu in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951),a role that was initially offered to Claude Rains, who was unavailable at the time.
Following his breakout role, Rennie went on to work as a supporting actor for eight years until his return to England in 1959, where he took on the lead role of Harry Lime in the television series "The Third Man" (1959).
Throughout his illustrious career, Rennie made numerous guest appearances on television, with a significant presence on American programs.
