Aidan Harrington facts for kids

Aidan Harrington (born March 13, 1928 – died February 4, 2017) was a talented English actor. He was known for playing many different characters. You could see him in plays, movies, and TV shows. He had a long and successful career.

Aidan Harrington's Acting Life

Aidan Harrington was born in London, England, in 1928. He was the oldest of seven children. He went to The Latymer School. After that, he studied acting and music. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He finished his studies there in 1950.

Early Career and Big Break

Aidan started his career singing in the chorus. This was at the famous Palace Theatre in London. In 1952, something special happened. The famous movie director David Lean discovered him. David Lean and his wife, actress Ann Todd, were very impressed. They loved Aidan's singing and his charming looks.

They helped him get a movie contract. This was with London Film Productions. Aidan made his first movie, The Sound Barrier, in 1952. David Lean directed it. Ann Todd was his first leading lady. His first movie was a big hit! In his first year, he appeared in 10 more films. One of these was a big historical movie called Ivanhoe. It starred famous actors like Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor.

Becoming a Star

In the early 1950s, Aidan was called one of the United Kingdom's 'Stars of Tomorrow'. He kept making a name for himself in movies. Some of his popular films included Doctor In The House (1954) and Village of the Damned (1960). He also appeared in Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961). Later, he was in Batman (1989). His last movie appearance was in The Blackheath Poisonings (1992).

Aidan also became well-known on television. He appeared in many British TV shows. These included The Invisible Man and The Prisoner. He was also in The Sweeney and QB VII.

Stage Performances

Aidan Harrington was also a highly respected stage actor. He performed in plays in both Britain and America. He was known for being a "method actor." This means he deeply studied his characters. He played roles in many different types of plays. These ranged from funny comedies to serious dramas.

Some of the famous plays he acted in include:

• Romeo and Juliet
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Mousetrap
• Les Miserables
• Julius Caesar
• A Christmas Carol
• Waiting for Godot

In his later years, Aidan also taught acting. He gave private lessons to people who wanted to become performers.

Later Life and Retirement

Aidan retired from acting in 2012. He spent his last years with his family. He also took up painting with oils. He had three homes. One was in Surrey, England. Another was a special house in County Dublin, Ireland. He spent most of his time there for over 40 years. He also had a summer house in Pebble Beach, California.

Aidan was married to his wife, Rosemary, for 56 years. She passed away in 2010. They had three children together. Aidan Harrington passed away peacefully at his home in Ireland. He died from natural causes on February 4, 2017. He was surrounded by his family. He was buried at Deansgrange Cemetery in Ireland.

Film and TV Roles

Here are some of the movies Aidan Harrington appeared in:

• The Sound Barrier (1952)
• Ivanhoe (1952)
• Doctor in the House (1954)
• Dark Avenger (1955)
• Village of the Damned (1960)
• Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
• Thunderball (1965)
• Dirty Dozen (1967)
• Countess From Hong Kong (1967)
• Best House in London (1969)
• Eagle Has Landed (1977)
• Top Secret! (1984)
• Batman (1989)
• Blackheath Poisonings (1992)

Here are some of the TV shows he was in:

• The Invisible Man (1959)
• Danger Man (1961)
• The Edgar Wallace Mysteries (1961)
• Scotland Yard (1961)
• Ghost Squad (1963)
• The Sweeney (1964, 1965)
• The Prisoner (1967)
• QB VII (1974)