Robert Newton

Born: 1905-06-01

Birthplace: Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, UK

Biography

Robert Newton was one of the great character actors -- and great characters -- of the British cinema, best remembered today for playing Long John Silver in Treasure Island (1950) and its sequel in 1954. His portrayal of Long John Silver and of Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952) created a persona that was so indelible that his vocal intonations created the paradigm for scores of people who want to "Talk Like a Pirate." The performance overshadows Newton's legacy, which is based on many first-rate performances in such movies as This Happy Breed (1944), Odd Man Out (1947) and Oliver Twist (1948), where his Bill Sykes is truly chilling. Oliver Reed, who played Sykes in the Oscar-winning movie musical Oliver! (1968) was influenced by Newton.

Known For

Around the World in 80 Days
Jamaica Inn
Oliver Twist
Treasure Island
The High and the Mighty
Les Miserables
Soldiers Three
Henry V
Obsession
Blackbeard, the Pirate

Top Movie Credits

Around the World in 80 Days Mr. Fix
Jamaica Inn James "Jem" Trehearne
Oliver Twist Bill Sykes
Treasure Island Long John Silver
The High and the Mighty Gustave Pardee
Les Miserables Etienne Javert
Soldiers Three Pvt. Bill Sykes
Henry V Ancient Pistol
Obsession Dr. Clive Riordan
Blackbeard, the Pirate Blackbeard