Philip St. John Basil Rathbone was born in South Africa in
1892. Three years later his family was forced to flee the
country and seek refuge in England.
In 1911, at the age of 19, Basil began his acting career
under the more simplified name Basil Rathbone. His career
was briefly interrupted by the approach of World War One,
however, where he would serve in the military as a second
lieutenant.
In 1919 Basil would begin his theater career as a member
of the Shakespearean troupe that appeared in Stratford Upon
Avon. Finally, in 1921, Basil made his way to America's Broadway.
Finding immediate success, that same year Basil would land
his first film role, the silent flick "The Innocent"
. Returning to Broadway in 1929, Basil co-wrote and starred
as the protagonist in the Broadway production, "Judas".
Most notable as the following character, in 1939 Basil Rathbone
would find success as the infamous Sherlock Holmes, starring
alongside Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson in the "The Hound
of the Baskervilles". Rathbone would reappear as the
beloved Sherlock Holmes in over 12 classic feature films.
Basil won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Dr. Swoper in
the Broadway play "The Heiress." in 1947.
Basil Rathbone’s notable film credits include:
