Raymond Massey's educational background was marked by his attendance at the University of Toronto and Balliol College, Oxford. This academic foundation would later serve him well in his pursuit of a career in the arts.
Massey's early life was defined by his service in World War I, where he joined the Canadian Field Artillery and saw action in France, earning a wound in the process. His first foray into the world of stage acting occurred in 1918, during the multi-nation intervention in Siberia, in a production that showcased his talent.
Following the war, Massey returned to Canada and his family's farm implement business, Massey-Harris Tractor Company. However, his passion for the stage soon took precedence over his duties as a businessman, and he began to appear in stage productions, including a 1922 performance at the Everyman Theatre in London in the play "In the Zone."
Massey's success on the stage led to a five-year contract with Alexander Korda, and he went on to become a prominent figure in the world of entertainment. His versatility as an actor was evident, as he was equally at home on both the stage and screen.
Massey's personal life was marked by his devotion to his American wife, Dorothy, whom he consulted on all matters. He was also a proud American citizen, a status that was facilitated by his mother and maternal grandmother's American heritage.
Despite his many accomplishments, Massey remained humble and unassuming, regarding himself as supremely uninteresting. A man of many talents and interests, he was an avid golfer and fisherman, and he had a deep appreciation for good literature.
In summary, Raymond Massey's life was a rich tapestry of education, military service, business, and artistic pursuits, all of which were informed by his humble and unassuming nature.
