Brian Aherne
Brian Aherne (2 May 1902 – 10 February 1986) was an English actor of stage, screen, and television, celebrated for his suave and self-assured portrayals of leading men and character roles in Broadway productions and Hollywood films spanning five decades.[1] Born William Brian de Lacy Aherne in King's Norton, Worcestershire, England, he began his career as a child performer, making his stage debut at age eight in a pantomime production featuring Noël Coward.[2] After early work in British silent films and theater, including a professional debut in the 1923 play Paddy, the Next Best Thing, Aherne achieved breakthrough success on Broadway in 1931 as Robert Browning opposite Katharine Cornell in The Barretts of Wimpole Street.[1] Aherne's Hollywood career took off with his American film debut in Paramount's Song of Songs (1933), starring alongside Marlene Dietrich as a sculptor.[2] He appeared in over 35 films through the 1960s, often embodying refined British gentlemen in supporting parts opposite stars like Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, and Paul Muni; his most acclaimed role was as the tragic Emperor Maximilian in Juarez (1939), earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.[3] During World War II, he toured extensively with Cornell in plays such as The Barretts of Wimpole Street to entertain troops, while also contributing to the American Theater Wing.[1] Later stage highlights included a national tour as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady (1958) and Jerome Kilty's Dear Liar (1960) opposite Katharine Cornell.[2] In his personal life, Aherne married actress Joan Fontaine in 1939, a union that ended in divorce in 1945; he wed theatrical producer Eleanor de Liagre Labrot in 1946, and they remained together until his death.[2] A resident of Santa Monica, Switzerland, and Florida in later years, he retired from acting around 1967 and reflected on his experiences in his autobiography A Proper Job (1969) and a biography of George Sanders, A Dreadful Man (1979).[2] Aherne died of heart failure at Venice Memorial Hospital in Florida at age 83.[1]Early Life and Education
Family Background
Brian Aherne was born William Brian de Lacy Aherne on 2 May 1902 in King's Norton, Worcestershire, England, to William de Lacy Aherne, an architect known for designing Arts and Crafts-style houses in the Moseley area of Birmingham, and his wife Louise (née Thomas).[4][5] He was the younger of two sons in a middle-class family; his older brother, Patrick Aherne (born 1901), also pursued acting and appeared in films and theater productions during the 1920s and 1930s.[6][7] The family additionally included a sister, Elena.[2] Raised in the Birmingham suburb of King's Norton, where his father maintained a professional practice, Aherne's early environment reflected the stability of Edwardian upper-middle-class life, with access to cultural pursuits in the industrial heartland.[2] This environment aligned with his emerging interest in acting, sparked at age eight through participation in local amateur productions at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where he first experienced the stage's allure during childhood outings to performances.[8]Schooling and Training
Brian Aherne began his formal acting training at the age of eight at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he received early stage instruction as a child performer while his family remained in Birmingham.[9] The academy, founded by Italia Conti, emphasized foundational skills essential for young actors entering the profession.[9] Aherne's general schooling included attendance at Edgbaston in Birmingham, followed by a brief period at Malvern College, where he initially studied architecture.[9] However, he left Malvern early in 1923 to focus on his burgeoning interest in performing arts, forgoing further academic pursuits in favor of professional opportunities on stage.[2] This training culminated in his stage debut at age eight in a pantomime production featuring Noël Coward, marking the start of his professional career.[2][1] Under the mentorship of Italia Conti, Aherne developed key abilities in elocution and characterization, laying the groundwork for his future theatrical work.[10]British Career
Stage Work
Brian Aherne began his professional stage career as a child performer in Britain, making his debut at the age of seven with the Pilgrim Players in Birmingham on April 5, 1910, appearing in Fifinella at the Repertory Theatre.[9] This early exposure to repertory theatre laid the foundation for his development as a versatile actor, honing his skills in ensemble productions and live performances. Building on his training at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts, Aherne quickly progressed to more prominent roles, demonstrating a natural aptitude for both dramatic and comedic parts.[10] By 1913, at age 11, Aherne achieved his London stage debut at the Garrick Theatre on December 26, playing a role in Clifford Mills and John Ramsey's fairy play Where the Rainbow Ends, a popular production that ran for many seasons and showcased his youthful energy in a fantastical narrative.[9] After a brief hiatus to pursue other studies, he returned to the stage in 1923, taking the lead role of Jack O'Hara in Paddy the Next Best Thing by W. Gayer-Mackay and Robert Ord at the Savoy Theatre, a romantic comedy that highlighted his charm and marked his emergence as a leading man in West End theatre.[10] The following year, in May 1924, he starred as Langford in Leon Gordon's controversial drama White Cargo at the London Playhouse, a role he reprised in 1927 at the Strand Theatre, contributing to the play's long run through 1925 and solidifying his reputation for portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters in intense colonial settings.[11] Throughout the 1920s, Aherne toured extensively, including as Hugo in The Flame opposite Violet Vanbrugh, a collaboration that underscored his ability to hold the stage alongside established performers under the direction of figures like Robert Courtneidge.[9] His work during this period encompassed a succession of West End productions, repertory engagements, and tours, allowing him to refine his craft across genres from light comedy to serious drama, before shifting focus toward film in the late 1920s.[10] This foundational phase in British theatre established Aherne as a polished performer known for his suavity and emotional depth, paving the way for his international success.[9]Film Roles
Aherne's established stage presence in the British theatre scene provided a natural pathway into cinema during the silent era. His screen debut occurred in the 1924 British silent crime drama The Eleventh Commandment, directed by George A. Cooper, where he took on a lead role as a young man entangled in intrigue.[12] In the late 1920s, Aherne built his film profile with supporting roles in notable silent productions, including Shooting Stars (1928), a comedy-drama directed by A.V. Bramble and Anthony Asquith, in which he played Julian Gordon, the husband of the starlet Mae Feather,[13] and Underground (1928), Asquith's gritty tale of London subway workers, where he portrayed Bill, a sympathetic porter navigating class tensions and romance. These early efforts showcased his ability to convey emotional depth in the constraints of silent storytelling. Aherne transitioned seamlessly to the talkies with his first sound role in The W Plan (1930), a espionage thriller directed by Victor Saville, starring as Colonel Duncan Grant, a daring British spy infiltrating German lines during World War I to thwart a secret tunnel project.[14] This performance marked a pivotal step, highlighting his resonant voice and commanding screen presence in dialogue-driven narratives. He followed with Madame Guillotine (1931), a historical adventure set during the French Revolution, co-starring Madeleine Carroll, and The Constant Nymph (1933), Basil Dean's adaptation of Margaret Kennedy's novel, in which he played the tormented composer Lewis Dodd, torn between artistic passion and romantic obligations.[15] Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, Aherne contributed to roughly 15 British films, often embodying suave romantic leads or refined aristocrats in genres ranging from drama to adventure, solidifying his reputation as a versatile character actor before his relocation to the United States.[1]American Career
Broadway and Theatre
Brian Aherne made his Broadway debut in 1931, arriving in the United States after a successful stage career in Britain that included leading roles in London productions such as The Circle.[16] He portrayed Robert Browning opposite Katharine Cornell's Elizabeth Barrett in Rudolf Besier's The Barretts of Wimpole Street, a production that ran for 372 performances at the Empire Theatre and marked the beginning of a significant professional partnership between the two actors.[17] A New York Times review praised Aherne's performance for its romantic intensity, describing him as "a perfect matinee idol" whose charm and poise complemented Cornell's portrayal. Aherne's collaboration with Cornell extended through several acclaimed revivals, solidifying his presence on the American stage. In 1932, he joined her in Thornton Wilder's Lucrece at the Cort Theatre, where he played the role of Tarquin in a production that ran for 30 performances and highlighted his ability to handle poetic drama. The duo reunited in 1934 for a revival of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at the Martin Beck Theatre, with Aherne as Mercutio to Cornell's Juliet; the production, directed by Guthrie McClintic, featured Orson Welles as Tybalt and ran for 77 performances, earning praise for its innovative staging and ensemble chemistry.[18] Their partnership continued in 1936 with George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan at the same venue, where Aherne portrayed Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, supporting Cornell's title role in an 89-performance run noted for its intellectual depth and Cornell's commanding presence.[19] Beyond these collaborations, Aherne took on diverse leading roles that showcased his versatility during the 1930s. He reprised Robert Browning in a brief 1935 revival of The Barretts of Wimpole Street opposite Cornell, running for 3 performances as a tryout before closing. In 1937, he appeared as Iago in a short-lived revival of Shakespeare's Othello at the Shubert Theatre, opposite Walter Huston as Othello, in a production designed by Robert Edmond Jones that lasted only 20 performances but demonstrated Aherne's skill in villainous characterization.[20] Over the decade from 1931 to 1940, Aherne participated in at least six major Broadway productions, often alternating with film work, which helped establish him as a prominent figure in American theatre known for his debonair style and romantic leading-man appeal.[16] This stage success bridged his British roots to broader U.S. recognition, positioning him as a matinee idol whose elegant persona drew audiences to both intimate dramas and Shakespearean classics.[2]Hollywood Films
Aherne's Hollywood film career gained momentum in 1935 when he appeared in RKO's Sylvia Scarlett, directed by George Cukor, portraying the gentle artist Michael Fane alongside Katharine Hepburn as the title character and Cary Grant as a roguish performer.[21] The film, a romantic comedy with elements of disguise and adventure, marked a significant step in his transition to American cinema following his stage successes.[22] The following year, Aherne starred in Samuel Goldwyn's Beloved Enemy (1936), playing Irish rebel leader Dennis Riordan in a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the 1916 Easter Rising, opposite Merle Oberon as a British aristocrat. He continued with varied roles, including the charming chauffeur Wade Rawlins in the Hal Roach screwball comedy Merrily We Live (1938), which paired him with Constance Bennett and Billie Burke in a lighthearted tale of mistaken identities and class satire.[23] His portrayal of historical figures reached a peak in Warner Bros.' Juarez (1939), where he embodied Emperor Maximilian of Mexico in William Dieterle's epic biography of Benito Juárez, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his dignified and tragic performance.[3][24] In the early 1940s, Aherne took on romantic leads at various studios, including the executive Stephen Dexter in Universal's Hired Wife (1940), a witty battle-of-the-sexes comedy co-starring Rosalind Russell as his no-nonsense secretary-turned-wife.[25] He also played the ambitious author William Essex in My Son, My Son! (1940), an RKO release adapted from Howard Spring's novel, opposite Madeleine Carroll, exploring themes of fatherhood and rivalry. Over the course of the 1930s and 1940s, Aherne appeared in approximately 25 Hollywood features, frequently cast as sophisticated gentlemen, romantic interests, or authoritative historical personages, leveraging his refined British demeanor to complement leading ladies like Hepburn, Oberon, and Russell.[26]Later Media Work
Following his service in the Royal Air Force during World War II, Brian Aherne resumed his acting career with a prominent radio role as the titular detective Simon Templar in the CBS series The Saint, which aired as a summer replacement sponsored by Campbell Soups starting in 1945.[27] This marked the beginning of his postwar diversification into broadcast media, where he lent his refined British accent and authoritative presence to mystery and adventure formats over the following decade.[28] Aherne's return to film came with the RKO psychological thriller The Locket (1946), in which he portrayed psychiatrist Dr. Harry S. Blair, a key figure unraveling the protagonist's troubled psyche opposite Laraine Day and Robert Mitchum.[29] As the 1950s progressed, he transitioned to character parts in major productions, including the role of Captain Edward J. Smith in 20th Century Fox's Titanic (1953), where his dignified performance captured the stoic command of the doomed liner's skipper amid the disaster's chaos.[30] That same year, he appeared as Inspector Larrue in Alfred Hitchcock's I Confess, a Warner Bros. noir exploring moral dilemmas, providing a measured foil to Montgomery Clift's tormented priest.[31] By the early 1960s, Aherne increasingly gravitated toward television, embracing supporting roles in anthology and Western series that showcased his versatility in dramatic and lighthearted scenarios. Notable appearances included the Wagon Train episode "The Bruce Saybrook Story" (1961), where he played the aristocratic Lord Bruce Saybrook navigating frontier life, and "The Gentleman's Gentleman" on Rawhide (1961), as the valet Woolsey entangled in cattle-drive intrigue.[32] He also starred in the Twilight Zone episode "The Parallel" (1963), portraying Major Douglas McKinnon in a tale of alternate realities that highlighted his ability to convey quiet unease. Aherne's film work became more sporadic in the postwar era, culminating in his final screen role as the steadfast lawyer Oliver Stevenson in the Universal comedy Rosie! (1967), reuniting him with Rosalind Russell for a whimsical story of eccentricity and family.[33] Over the subsequent years, he contributed to various television projects and voice work, amassing more than two dozen credits across film, radio, and TV until semi-retirement in the late 1960s, though archival footage and reruns extended his media presence into the 1980s.[22]Personal Life
Marriages and Relationships
Brian Aherne married actress Joan Fontaine on August 20, 1939, in a private ceremony at St. John's Chapel in Del Monte, California, with Fontaine's sister Olivia de Havilland serving as maid of honor.[34] The union occurred as Aherne established himself in Hollywood films following his British stage success, while Fontaine was ascending to prominence, soon starring in Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca (1940). Their relationship intersected with professional collaborations and co-star environments, though the pressures of demanding schedules and career ambitions contributed to tensions.[35] In May 1944, Fontaine filed for divorce citing mental cruelty and grievous mental suffering inflicted by Aherne, amid the strains of their Hollywood lifestyles; the divorce was finalized on June 14, 1945, with no children born from the marriage.[36] Following the split, Aherne reflected on the challenges of balancing personal life with the film industry's rigors in later writings. Aherne's second marriage was to Eleanor de Liagre Labrot, a socialite and sister of Broadway producer Alfred de Liagre Jr., on January 27, 1946, in Sneden's Landing, New York; this was the second marriage for both.[37] The couple remained together for four decades until Aherne's death in 1986, providing stability during his later theatre and film work, with no children from this union either. Labrot, previously married to William Henderson Labrot, brought a daughter, Leonie, from her first marriage into the family.[38]Interests and Writings
Aherne developed a strong passion for aviation early in his career, earning his pilot's license in the 1930s and becoming an avid flyer.[39] He owned several private aircraft, including a Waco UMF-3 registered as NC13571, which he frequently piloted for cross-country trips between California and New York.[40] As one of the earliest enthusiasts of general aviation, Aherne was a charter member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), holding membership number 9 since the organization's founding in 1939.[41] During World War II, he contributed to the war effort by serving as a flight instructor for Royal Air Force cadets in Arizona.[42] Beyond acting, Aherne pursued writing as a creative outlet, producing two notable books that reflected on his personal and professional experiences. His autobiography, A Proper Job, published in 1969 by Houghton Mifflin, chronicles his journey from a child performer in British theater to a prominent figure in Hollywood, offering insights into his eccentric family background and the prejudices that shaped his early training.[43] In 1979, he authored A Dreadful Man: A Personal Intimate Book About George Sanders, a biography published by Simon & Schuster that explores the life of his close friend and former brother-in-law George Sanders, whom he knew through their shared connection to actress Joan Fontaine.[44] The work provides a candid portrait of Sanders's complex personality and Hollywood career, drawing on Aherne's decades-long friendship with the actor.[45]Death and Legacy
Final Years and Passing
In the late 1960s, Brian Aherne had largely retired from acting after a career spanning over six decades, though he made occasional appearances, with his final role being Oliver Stevenson in the film Rosie! (1967).[46] He spent his later years dividing time between residences in Vevey, Switzerland; New York City; and Boca Grande, Florida, where he wintered with his second wife, Eleanor de Liagre Labrot, to whom he had been married since 1946.[1] Their life together was described by Eleanor as "quiet, gracious."[2] Aherne's health declined in his final years due to ongoing heart problems, leading to hospitalization in the week before his death.[2] He passed away from heart failure on February 10, 1986, at age 83 in Venice Memorial Hospital, Florida.[2][1] Following his death, Eleanor Aherne told the press that "his heart just gradually gave out," reflecting on the gradual nature of his condition.[2] The family requested privacy during this time, and Aherne was cremated shortly thereafter.[2]Honors and Recognition
In 1960, Brian Aherne received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1772 Vine Street, recognizing his contributions to motion pictures.[9] Aherne's stage collaborations with Katharine Cornell earned widespread critical acclaim, particularly for his portrayal of Robert Browning in The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1931), which ran for 370 performances on Broadway and established him as a leading man noted for his suavity and elegance.[1] Contemporary reviewers highlighted his debonair presence and ability to complement Cornell's performance, contributing to the production's success as a landmark of American theater. Aherne's career legacy endures as that of a versatile character actor who bridged the silent film era, classical Hollywood, and early television, appearing in over 37 films from the 1920s to the 1960s while maintaining a strong stage presence.[2] As a prominent British expatriate in Hollywood, he exemplified the suave English gentleman archetype, influencing a generation of performers in the studio system. Posthumously, his role as Emperor Maximilian in Juarez (1939) has been cited in film histories for its convincing depiction of the historical figure, noted for authenticity in manner and appearance.[47]Professional Works
Filmography
Brian Aherne's film career spanned over four decades, encompassing approximately 45 feature films. His credits are categorized below by era for clarity, presented chronologically within each period. This list includes his roles, directors, and studios where documented, drawn from comprehensive actor databases. Notable uncredited appearances are rare in his filmography, with no major omissions identified beyond occasional minor supporting parts not billed in early silents; all listed credits are verified as feature films.[22]Silent Era (1924–1929)
Aherne began in British silent cinema, often in supporting or lead roles in dramas and comedies.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1924 | The Eleventh Commandment | Norman Barchester | George A. Cooper | British & Foreign Film Co. |
| 1925 | King of the Castle | Colin O'Farrell | Henry Edwards | British Instructional Films |
| 1925 | The Squire of Long Hadley | Jim Luttrell | Sinclair Hill | St. Marylebone Studios |
| 1926 | Safety First | Hippocrates Rayne | Fred Paul | British Actors Film Co. |
| 1927 | Shooting Stars | Julian Gordon | Anthony Asquith, A.V. Bramble | British International Pictures |
British Sound Era (1930–1934)
Transitioning to sound, Aherne appeared in early British talkies, including adaptations of stage works, before moving to Hollywood.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | The Impassive Footman | Stephen | Basil Dean | Associated Talking Pictures |
| 1933 | The Constant Nymph | Lewis Dodd | Basil Dean | Gaumont-British |
| 1933 | Song of Songs | The Poet | Rouben Mamoulian | Paramount Pictures (UK/US co-prod.) |
| 1933 | Racing Youth | Dudley Saxelby | Ralph Ince | British & Dominions Imperial |
| 1934 | The Fountain | The Poet / Priest | Irving Pichel | RKO Radio Pictures (UK/US) |
Hollywood Peak (1935–1944)
Aherne's most prolific period in Hollywood featured romantic leads and character roles in major studio productions. In Juarez (1939), he portrayed Emperor Maximilian von Hapsburg in a historical drama opposite Bette Davis and Paul Muni, earning critical praise for his dignified performance.[24]| Year | Title | Role | Director | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 | Sylvia Scarlett | Michael Fane | George Cukor | RKO Radio Pictures |
| 1936 | Beloved Enemy | Sir John Beming | H.C. Potter | Samuel Goldwyn Co. |
| 1937 | The Great Garrick | David Garrick | James Whale | Warner Bros. |
| 1937 | Last of the Buccaneers | Jean Lafitte | Lewis R. Foster | Republic Pictures |
| 1938 | Merrily We Live | Wade Rawlins | Norman Z. McLeod | Hal Roach Studios/MGM |
| 1939 | Juarez | Emperor Maximilian | William Dieterle | Warner Bros. |
| 1939 | Captain Fury | Kevin O'Hara | Boris Ingster | 20th Century Fox |
| 1940 | The Lady in Question | Andre Morestan | Charles Vidor | Columbia Pictures |
| 1940 | Hired Wife | Stephen Dexter | William A. Seiter | Universal Pictures |
| 1941 | Smilin' Through | Sir John Carteret | Frank Borzage | MGM |
| 1942 | My Sister Eileen | Robert Sherwood | Alexander Hall | Columbia Pictures |
| 1942 | A Night to Remember | Jeff Troy | Richard Wallace | Columbia Pictures |
| 1942 | Thunder Birds | George Bartley | William A. Wellman | 20th Century Fox |
| 1943 | Forever and a Day | Jim | Multiple (Edmund Goulding, Cedric Hardwicke, etc.) | RKO Radio Pictures |
| 1944 | The Seventh Cross | Paul | Fred Zinnemann | MGM |
Postwar Era (1945–1967)
Postwar roles shifted toward supporting character parts in dramas and adventures, with occasional returns to leads. His final film, Rosie! (1967), saw him as the supportive father figure Oliver Stevenson in a comedy-drama.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 | First Yank into Tokyo | Maj. Gerald Whitaker | Gordon Douglas | RKO Radio Pictures |
| 1946 | The Locket | Dr. Blair | John Brahm | RKO Radio Pictures |
| 1947 | The Foxes of Harrow | Stephen Fox | John M. Stahl | 20th Century Fox |
| 1948 | Angel on the Amazon | Dr. Peter Gardner | John H. Auer | Republic Pictures |
| 1949 | Roughshod | Lednov | Mark Robson | RKO Radio Pictures |
| 1950 | Shadow on the Wall | David Starrling | Patrick Jackson | MGM |
| 1951 | The Highwayman | Tom | Lesley Selander | Republic Pictures |
| 1951 | Bright Victory | Dr. Phil Eden | Mark Robson | Warner Bros. |
| 1953 | I Confess | Willy Petersen | Alfred Hitchcock | Warner Bros. |
| 1953 | Titanic | Capt. Edward J. Smith | Jean Negulesco | 20th Century Fox |
| 1954 | Prince Valiant | King Arthur | Henry Hathaway | 20th Century Fox |
| 1955 | The Cruel Tower | Police Inspector | Lew Landers | Warner Bros. |
| 1957 | The Buster Keaton Story | Joe Britt | Sidney Sheldon | Paramount Pictures |
| 1959 | The Best of Everything | Ames Jansen | Jean Negulesco | 20th Century Fox |
| 1960 | Rogue's Gallery | Unknown | Edward J. Montague | United Artists |
| 1961 | Susan Slade | Dr. McBain | Delmer Daves | Warner Bros. |
| 1963 | Sword of Lancelot (Lancelot and Guinevere) | King Arthur | Cornel Wilde | Embassy Pictures |
| 1963 | The Waltz King | Johann Strauss I | Steve Previn | Walt Disney Productions |
| 1965 | The Cavern | Maj. British | Edgar G. Ulmer | Allied Artists |
| 1967 | Rosie! | Oliver Stevenson | David Lowell Rich | Warner Bros. Seven Arts |