Sir Peter Ustinov
Actor
filmmaker
and
writer
Early Years and Family Background
Born in London on April 16, 1921, Sir Peter Ustinov lived an incredibly rich and versatile life as colorful and eclectic as his glorious artistic talents. Known for his wit, charm, and boundless creativity, Ustinov’s personal life was as rich and fascinating and in phase with his work on stage and screen, shaping his relationships and his passions, and an extraordinary generosity.
The Path to Success
Peter grew up as a single child in a multicultural diverse and artistic vibrant household, an environment that nurtured his curiosity and love for the arts. His father Jonas Von Ustinov, Russian & German aristocrat, was a journalist, diplomat, and today known as MI6, Britain’s most ingenious spy, book “Klop” by Peter Day.
His mother the painter and set designer, Nadia Benois descended from the unique artistic Benois family who gave more than 50 artists, today reunited in the Benois family museum in Saint Petersburg, This family devotion for the arts and humanistic values, encouraged his early interest in theater and storytelling, These influences, along with his precocious intellect and keen observation of human behavior, provided the fertile soil in which his future contributions as actor, writer, director, journalist and University chancellor would be planted.
Career Highlights
Despite his demanding career, Ustinov remained deeply connected with his roots, and his family tradition of humanitarian values. He was very committed toward his role as UNICEF ambassador for children and maintained close connection with his public to advocate the missions he wanted to empower. Beyond his work in the arts, Ustinov explored a wide range of activities, from playing tennis, traveling, gastronomy, sailing on his boat “Nitchevo”, discovering, learning, music, Opera…. all of which added richness to his life and personality.
In 1998 with his son Igor, they founded the Sir Peter Ustinov foundation (for children) and later in 2004 the Ustinov Institute in Vienna devote to understanding and developing awareness about prejudice and their downsides. These institutions have grown and are still and more active.
In later years, Ustinov continued to captivate audiences with his wisdom, humor, and charisma. Even as his health declined, he stayed active and engaged in his creative and humanitarian endeavors until his death on March 28, 2004, in Switzerland.
As his career flourished, Ustinov became also a leading figure in international diplomacy and humanitarian work. Fluent in several languages and knowledgeable on affairs of the world, he had friends amongst heads of state, like Gorbachev and was respected for his incisive comments on world affairs. His love for education and knowledge made him a devoted UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, in which capacity he advocated tirelessly for children’s rights, traveling the world to spread awareness about vulnerable populations and in need of help.
Personal Life
His personal life often intertwined with his professional one. Ustinov married three times, and had four children with his first two wives, his first marriage to Isolde Denham in 1940 ending in divorce after the four years of war. The second marriage, to actress Suzanne Cloutier in 1954, brought personal joy and professional collaboration, as the pair often worked together on creative projects. And after all, his marriage with Helen du Lau d’Aleman. Throughout his life, Ustinov found inspiration in the relationships and experiences that naturally shaped him both personally and artistically.
Humanitarian Work
However, Ustinov’s talents extended far beyond acting: he was a prolific writer of novels, essays, children’s books, articles, and his autobiography “Dear Me”, which revealed his sharp intellect and profound understanding of human nature. As a director both in film and theater, and Operas, he brought one-of-a-kind vision into his work, showing his skill in crafting compelling narratives.
Interests and Later Years
Despite his demanding career, Ustinov remained deeply connected with his roots. He was very affectionate toward his family and maintained close contact with relatives across Europe. Beyond his work in the arts, Ustinov explored a wide range of hobbies, from painting and photography to cooking and gardening, all of which added richness to his life and personality.
In later years, Ustinov continued to captivate audiences with his wisdom, humor, and charisma. Even as his health declined, he stayed active and engaged in his creative and humanitarian endeavors until his death on March 28, 2004, in Switzerland.
Filmography
1940
Hullo, Fame!
Mein Kampf (My Crimes)
1941
One of Our Aircraft Is Missing
1942
Let the People Sing
The Goose Steps Out
1943
The New Lot
1945
The True Glory
1950
Odette
1967
Käpt’n Blackbeards Spuk-Kaschemme (Blackbeard’s Ghost)
Die Stunde der Komödianten (The Comedians)
1977
Drei Fremdenlegionäre (The Last Remake of Beau Geste)
Das malvenfarbene Taxi (Un taxi mauve)
Vom Blitz getroffen (Doppio delitto)
1978
1979
1981
1981
1982
1984
1988
1990
1992
1994
1995
Paths of the Gods(Präsentator)
1998
Stiff Upper Lips
Beethovens Zehnte
1999
Alice im Wunderland
Der Jungeselle(The Bachelor)
2002
The Will to Resist
2003
Luther
Television
1955: BBC Sunday Night Theatre: The Moment of Truth
1957: BBC Sunday Night Theatre: The Indifferent Shepherd
1957: The DuPont Show of the Month: Crescendo, Omnibus: The Life of Samuel Johnson
1958: Omnibus: Moment of Truth, The Steve Allen Show
1966: Das Leben in meiner Hand, The Wednesday Play: Photo Finish, Barefoot in Athens
1968: The Story of Babar the Little Elephant
1969: Au théatre çe soir: L’Amour des 4 colonels
1970: Endspurt, A Storm in Summer
1971: Gideon
1971: Die Zauberflöte
1972: Clochemerle
1973: Burt Bacharach: Opus No. 3
1976: Kein Abend wie jeder andere
1976: Die Muppet Show (Episode 1.24)
1977: Jesus von Nazareth (Jesus of Nazareth)
1978: Der Dieb von Bagdad (The Thief of Bagdad)
1979: Einstein’s Universe, Nuclear Nightmares
1980: Strumpet City
1981: Omni: The New Frontier
1982: Wortwechsel
1983: Imaginary Friends
1984: Abgehört, Der wohltemperierte Bach, Ustinov’s People
1985: Mord à la Carte (Agatha Christie’s Thirteen at dinner)
1986: Mord mit verteilten Rollen (Dead Man’s Folly)Tödliche Parties (Murder in Three Acts), Tödliche Parties (Murder in Three Acts), Ustinovs Russland, Ustinov in China,
1989: In 80 Tagen um die Welt (Around the World in Eighty Days)
1989: Granpa
1989: Die Französische Revolution (La révolution française)
1989: Der fließende Fels
1990: The Mozart Mystique
1990: The Orchestra
1991: Ustinov on the Orient Express
1993: Ustinov im Gespräch mit Pavarotti
1993: Wings of the Red Star MIG Force
1993: Weltmacht Vatikan
1994: The Old Curiosity Shop
1994: Haydn Gala
1995: Ustinov in Thailand
1995: Ustinov in Hongkong
1995: An Evening with Sir Peter Ustinov
1997: Peter Ustinov’s Mendelssohn
1998: Planet Ustinov
1999: Alice im Wunderland (Alice in Wonderland)
1999: Animal Farm
2000: Deutschlandspiel
2001: Victoria & Albert
2002: The Salem Witch Trials
2003: Schleswig-Holstein-Musikfestival
2003: Rosamunde Pilcher: Wintersonne (Winter Solstice)
Bibliography
Biography
- “Dear Me“ – (released in 1977)
- “Quotable Ustinov“ (1995)
- “Ustinov Still at Large“ (1993)
History / Nonfiction
- “My Russia“ (1983)
Genre
- “Comedy Classics“ (1987)
- “laughter on parade: a compendium of comedy classics“ (1984)
- “Add a Dash of Pity“ (1996)
- “The Disinformer“ – Two Novellas (1989)
Fiction
- “Old Man and Mr.Smith: A Fable“ (1990)
- “Krumnagel“ (1971)
Awards
1961
Oscar Winner
Best Actor
Supporting Role
“Spartacus“
1959
Winner Grammy – Grammy Awards
Best Recording for Children
For the Album “Peter and the Wolf” artist: Herbert von Karajan, cond.
1972
For the originality of his whole artistic works.
Berlin International Film Festival
1970
Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
For playing: “Abel Shaddick“.
Primetime Emmy Awards
Nominations
1969
Best Writing, Story and Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen
shared with: Ira Wallach
Oscars
Abstract
- Academy Awards:
- Best Supporting Actor for “Spartacus” (1960)
- Best Supporting Actor for “Topkapi” (1964)
Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for “Spartacus” (1960)
- Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for “Topkapi” (1964)
- Henrietta Award for World Film Favorites (1965)
BAFTA Awards:
- UN Award (1957)
- Best British Actor for “Hotel Paradiso” (1967)
- BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement (1988)
Emmy Awards:
- Outstanding Individual Achievements in Entertainment – Acting in a Comedy or Drama Series for „ABC´s Wide Wordl of Entertainment“ (1975)
Tony Awards:
- Special Tony Award for his one-man show “An Evening with Peter Ustinov” (1958)
Cannes Film Festival:
- Best Actor for “Romanoff and Juliet” (1961)
Berlin International Film Festival:
- Silver Bear for Best Actor for “Luther” (1966)
Moscow International Film Festival:
- Special Prize for Best Actor for “Romanoff and Juliet” (1961)
Grammy Awards:
- Best Spoken Word Album for Children for “Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf” (1977)
Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies):
- Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor for “Hallelujah Trail” (1966)
Other Honors:
- Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama and charity (1990)
- UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science (1990)
- Gandhi Peace Prize (2003)
This comprehensive list showcases the breadth and depth of Sir Peter Ustinov’s accomplishments, spanning the realms of film, theater, television, literature, and humanitarianism.