British character actor, renowned for his wry charm and versatility, effortlessly transitioning between amused and straight-laced characters. Born in the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, he received his education at Marlborough College and the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
His stage debut occurred in 1922, and by 1925, he had established himself as a busy London actor. He married actress Blanche Glynne, whose real name was Blanche Hope Aitken, and in 1932, he embarked on a tour of South Africa, performing in various plays.
According to reports, George Cukor spotted him during a performance in Aldritch, and with or without Cukor's assistance, he made his film debut in 1934, often appearing under the name Hyde White in his early cinematic endeavors. Throughout his career, he continued to thrive on the stage, sharing the spotlight with esteemed actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in the productions of "Caesar and Cleopatra" and "Antony and Cleopatra" in 1951.
Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed a substantial filmography, yet he will forever be remembered for his iconic role as Colonel Pickering in the beloved classic, "My Fair Lady" (1964). Remaining active well into his ninth decade, Hyde-White passed away just six days shy of his 88th birthday. He left behind his second wife, Ethel, and three children, a testament to his enduring legacy.
