Paul Cavanagh, a Cambridge-educated gentleman, exuded refinement and sophistication as the quintessential well-dressed Englishman on the big screen. Prior to his acting career, he had a distinguished background as a former barrister and Royal Canadian Mountie. In 1924, he transitioned to the world of acting, eventually securing a starring role on Broadway in the 1929 production of "Scotland Yard". This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious film career that spanned over three decades.
Throughout his tenure in Hollywood, Cavanagh portrayed a diverse range of characters, from charming grifters in films like "The Notorious Sophie Lang" (1934),to stalwart leading men, as seen in his romantic lead role opposite Mae West in "Goin' to Town" (1935). He also took on the occasional murder victim or villainous character, such as Martin Arlington in "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934).
However, it was his portrayal of the urbane and sophisticated older husband to Joan Crawford in the critically acclaimed "Humoresque" (1946) that truly showcased his exceptional acting abilities. In this film, he brought a sense of bemused languor to his role, tolerating the antics of his neurotic wife and the witty banter of Oscar Levant's character, who famously asked, "Does your husband interfere with your marriage?"
