Antony Holland facts for kids

Antony Holland was a talented English actor, writer, and theatre director. He was born on March 28, 1920, and passed away on July 29, 2015. For many years, he lived on Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada. He was known for his amazing work in theatre and film.

Antony Holland's Life and Career

Antony Holland studied drama in London, England. Soon after, World War II began. He joined the military as a signalman. Even during the war, he found time for his passion: theatre.

Theatre During Wartime

While training in South Shields, Antony Holland put on a play in an old, unused theatre. He continued to create plays in his free time throughout the war. The military even gave him a special room for rehearsals. About 100 soldiers acted in his plays. Some even played women's roles!

His plays traveled with the troops. They went through the North African Campaign and across the desert. He even put on shows at the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo. His plays were so popular that the military helped him get materials for bigger shows. Later, Holland was moved to military intelligence, where he finished his service.

After the War: A New Chapter

In 1946, a famous actor named Laurence Olivier started the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Antony Holland became the vice principal there. He worked at the school for almost ten years.

In 1957, Holland moved to Vancouver, Canada. He stayed in British Columbia for the rest of his life. In 1965, he started a theatre arts program. This program grew into a well-known acting school called Studio 58. It is still a very important part of Langara College today.

Antony Holland retired from Studio 58 in 1985. After that, he went back to acting, directing, and writing plays. When he moved to Gabriola Island, he even started a new theatre company there.

Acting Roles

Antony Holland acted in many movies and TV shows. He played different characters in films like McCabe & Mrs. Miller and The Grey Fox. He also appeared in TV series such as MacGyver and Supernatural. He even lent his voice to cartoon characters in shows like Captain N: The Game Master.

He continued to perform on stage too. He played the main role in King Lear at Studio 58. He also acted in Tuesday with Morrie for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

Awards and Recognition

Antony Holland received many awards for his amazing work in theatre and film.

• He won three Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards. These awards celebrate excellence in Vancouver theatre.
• He also received four special Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards honored his long and successful career.
• He was chosen to be part of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of British Columbia's most important entertainers.
• A special scholarship at Langara College was named after him: The Antony Holland Scholarship. This helps new students who want to study theatre.
• He was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive. It recognizes people who have made a big difference in Canada.