Halliwell Hobbes


Herbert Halliwell Hobbes was an English actor.

Early years

The future actor was the son of William Albert Hobbes, a Warwickshire solicitor, and his wife, Marion Hobbes, nee Dennis,. His schooling came at Trinity College in Straford-on-Avon.

Career

Hobbes's stage debut was as a member of Frank Benson's company, in the role of Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet in 1898, playing in Shakespearean rep alongside actors such as Ellen Terry and Mrs Patrick Campbell. His earliest American work was as an actor and director from 1906, before moving to Hollywood in early 1929 to play older men's roles such as clerics, butlers, doctors, lords and diplomats. He remained a British subject throughout his life.
Receiving fewer film roles during the 1940s, he moved back to Broadway by the mid-1940s, appearing in Romeo and Juliet as Lord Capulet and continuing there until late 1955. By 1950 he had moved to American television in the diverse playhouse format.
A heart ailment caused Hobbes to retire in 1956.

Personal life

In 1915, Hobbes married Nancie Brenda Marsland, an actress. They had one son. He increased the sunkenness of his cheeks by having his four 12-year-molars removed.

Death

After Hobbes died from a heart attack on February 20, 1962, he was buried at the Chapel of the Pines Crematory in Los Angeles.

Filmography