British cinema has seen some truly great talents throughout the years. Here are a few of the best British actors that have been honoured with knighthoods:
Sir Sean Connery
Sean Connery didn't aspire to be an actor in his early years. He left home when he was 15 in search of excitement in the Navy. He decided the Navy wasn't for him and did other odd jobs here and there, including working as a mortuary assistant. He also did a bit of modelling work to earn a bit of money. He was introduced to the stage in 1951 in the production South Pacific. He then on to work for the BBC in the television remake of 'Requiem for a Heavyweight'. His most memorable role was as James Bond in no less than three of Ian Fleming's James Bond films.
Sir Michael Caine
A superb actor who still continues to perform and amaze audiences today with his stunning versatility and acting prowess. He was originally born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite but later changed his name to Michael Caine. He changed his name because he believed that people didn't take him seriously with his birth name. He struggled throughout his early years as an actor and was financially broke until the age of 29. Only 2 years later, at the age of 31, he had become a millionaire. Quite a turnaround. His acting has been recognised with no less than 6 academy award nominations, of which he won 2, both as supporting actor in the films 'Hannah and Her Sisters' and 'The Cider House Rules'. He received his knighthood in June 2000 from Queen Elizabeth II.
Sir Alec Guinness
Surely, one of the acting greats of the 20th Century. An extremely versatile actor with a distinguished career spanning 66 years. He was loved across the world but enjoyed most of his fame in the UK and USA. Many people will remember him as Prince Feisal from Lawrence of Arabia or as the Jedi Master from Star Wars. He became a Sir when Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1959.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Not many other actors have enjoyed such worldwide success. During his 40 years career he has given us so many memorable performances such as Dr. Hannibal Lector, in 'Silence of the Lambs' (for which he won an Oscar). As the schizophrenic ventriloquist who lost his marbles in 'Magic'? As the kind Dr. Frederick Treves, who befriended the terribly deformed Joseph Merrick, in 'The Elephant Man'. Or in any one of his Oscar award nominated roles, such as Richard Nixon in 'Nixon', or John Quincy Adams in 'Amistad'. He acquired the title of Sir after being knighted in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Sir Sean Connery
Sean Connery didn't aspire to be an actor in his early years. He left home when he was 15 in search of excitement in the Navy. He decided the Navy wasn't for him and did other odd jobs here and there, including working as a mortuary assistant. He also did a bit of modelling work to earn a bit of money. He was introduced to the stage in 1951 in the production South Pacific. He then on to work for the BBC in the television remake of 'Requiem for a Heavyweight'. His most memorable role was as James Bond in no less than three of Ian Fleming's James Bond films.
Sir Michael Caine
A superb actor who still continues to perform and amaze audiences today with his stunning versatility and acting prowess. He was originally born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite but later changed his name to Michael Caine. He changed his name because he believed that people didn't take him seriously with his birth name. He struggled throughout his early years as an actor and was financially broke until the age of 29. Only 2 years later, at the age of 31, he had become a millionaire. Quite a turnaround. His acting has been recognised with no less than 6 academy award nominations, of which he won 2, both as supporting actor in the films 'Hannah and Her Sisters' and 'The Cider House Rules'. He received his knighthood in June 2000 from Queen Elizabeth II.
Sir Alec Guinness
Surely, one of the acting greats of the 20th Century. An extremely versatile actor with a distinguished career spanning 66 years. He was loved across the world but enjoyed most of his fame in the UK and USA. Many people will remember him as Prince Feisal from Lawrence of Arabia or as the Jedi Master from Star Wars. He became a Sir when Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1959.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Not many other actors have enjoyed such worldwide success. During his 40 years career he has given us so many memorable performances such as Dr. Hannibal Lector, in 'Silence of the Lambs' (for which he won an Oscar). As the schizophrenic ventriloquist who lost his marbles in 'Magic'? As the kind Dr. Frederick Treves, who befriended the terribly deformed Joseph Merrick, in 'The Elephant Man'. Or in any one of his Oscar award nominated roles, such as Richard Nixon in 'Nixon', or John Quincy Adams in 'Amistad'. He acquired the title of Sir after being knighted in 1993 by Queen Elizabeth II.