Peter Ustinov was a renowned film actor, director, writer, journalist, and raconteur, winning two Academy Awards for his outstanding performances. He was born Peter Alexander Freiherr von Ustinow on April 16, 1921, in Swiss Cottage, London, to a family with diverse ancestry, including Russian nobility and the Ethiopian Royal Family.
Ustinov's early life was marked by his multilingual upbringing, as he was fluent in Russian, French, Italian, German, and English. He attended Westminster College and the London Theatre Studio, where he honed his acting skills. His stage debut came in 1938, and he went on to write his first play at the age of 19.
During World War II, Ustinov served with the British Army's Royal Sussex Regiment, where he worked with the Army Cinema Unit, wrote plays, and appeared in three films. He co-wrote and acted in The Way Ahead (1944) and had a lifelong friendship with David Niven.
Ustinov's film career spanned over five decades, with notable roles in Quo Vadis (1951),Lola Montès (1955),Barefoot in Athens (1966),The Comedians (1967),Robin Hood (1973),and Logan's Run (1976). He also wrote and directed several films, including Billy Budd (1962),Lady L (1965),and Memed My Hawk (1984).
Ustinov was a prolific writer and published his autobiographies, "Dear Me" (1977) and "My Russia" (1996),which offered insights into his life, career, and multicultural background. He also wrote and directed numerous stage plays, including "Photo Finish", which was staged in New York, London, and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Throughout his life, Ustinov was recognized for his contributions to the arts and humanitarian work. He was a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and a president of WFM, a global citizens movement. He was knighted in 1990 and received the Benjamin Franklin Medal from the Royal Society of Arts in 1957.
Ustinov's legacy extends beyond his impressive filmography and stage performances. He was a true international citizen, and his epitaph reflects his global outlook: "I am an international citizen conceived in Russia, born in England, working in Hollywood, living in Switzerland, and touring the World".
