Esmond Knight

Esmond Knight (May 4, 1910 – August 5, 1987) was a British actor, playwright, and author who enjoyed a long and respected career in theatre, film, and television. Born in East London, Knight trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and quickly established himself as a talented stage performer. He appeared in numerous notable films including Laurence Olivier's "Henry V" (1944) and "The Red Shoes" (1948). During World War II, Knight served in the Royal Navy and was captured and imprisoned as a prisoner of war, an experience that profoundly affected him and which he later wrote about. After the war, he returned to acting and continued to work regularly in British theatre and film throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Knight was also a published author, writing several novels and memoirs. His career exemplified the golden age of British theatre and cinema, and he remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry until his death in 1987.