Fay Compton
Biography
Fay Compton was an English actress best known for her stage performances, though she also worked in film and television. Born in London in 1894 into a theatrical family, she began professionally in 1911 with the Follies concert party. She played Peter Pan in London in 1917 and starred in J. M. Barrie's Mary Rose in 1921, a play written for her. Shakespeare roles followed, including Ophelia opposite John Barrymore and later John Gielgud, and she toured Australia and New Zealand. In 1927 she opened the Fay Compton Studio of Dramatic Art. On screen she appeared in Odd Man Out (1947), Laughter in Paradise (1951), Orson Welles' Othello (1951) and The Haunting (1963). She acted at the Old Vic and Chichester, was awarded the CBE in 1975, and died in 1978.
84years old at death
- Born Kensington
- Died London
- Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22
- Also credited as Virginia Lilian Emmeline Compton–Mackenzie, Virginia Lilian Eumeline Mackenzie and Fay (Virginia Lillian Emmeline) Compton
Movie Career
- Films
- 6
- Career span
- 29 years1934 to 1963
First and latest
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Early training
Fay Compton opened the Fay Compton Studio of Dramatic Art in London in 1927, and it stayed in business until the start of World War II. Its alumni included Alec Guinness and John Le Mesurier.
Big break
In 1921 Compton starred in the title role of Mary Rose, a play J. M. Barrie wrote especially for her.
A first
During the 1920s, Compton's roles included Ophelia, the first of many Shakespeare parts she would take on, opposite John Barrymore's Hamlet.
Fay Compton movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Worked with
Fay Compton shares two films with Ronald Adam, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Ronald Adam's page
James Mason's page
Orson Welles's page
John Mills's page
Joseph Cotten's page
Geoffrey Keen's page
All films by Robert Wise
All films by Carol Reed
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Commander of the Order of the British Empire | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.