- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJohn Justinian de Ledesma
- Height6′ (1.83 m)
- John Justin was born on November 24, 1917 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Thief of Bagdad (1940), The Teckman Mystery (1954) and Island in the Sun (1957). He was married to Alison McMurdo, Barbara Murray and Pola Nirenska. He died on November 29, 2002 in London, England, UK.
- SpousesAlison McMurdo(1970 - November 29, 2002) (his death)Barbara Murray(1952 - 1964) (divorced, 3 children)Pola Nirenska(1935 - 1949) (divorced)
- In later years, he dismissed his film career 'as a mistake' and concentrated on the stage, frequently acting at the Old Vic and the Royal Court.
- John Justin learnt to fly in Argentina at the age of 12, but was refused permission to go solo by the authorities due to his age.
- During World War II, he was a Spitfire production test pilot and flying instructor. This led to him being offered the role of test pilot Philip Peel in The Sound Barrier (1952). However, he had no desire to fly professionally and never flew an aircraft in real life after 1945.
- Signed a seven-year contract with Alexander Korda upon securing his seminal role as Prince Achmad in The Thief of Bagdad (1940).
- Educated at Bryanston School, Dorset, and trained for acting at RADA. Subsequently with John Gielgud's repertory company.
- [on "The Thief Of Baghdad" (1940)]: It was really a Korda film. If it had been the mess it looked like being, then Korda would have been finished, so he might as well get the credit. Korda was technically the producer, but he controlled it totally, and, effectively, he directed it.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content