Leslie Howard

A Talent Beyond the Screen

Leslie Howard, a name that may not always immediately come to mind among the most widely celebrated figures of 20th-century cinema, was one of the era’s most versatile and distinguished actors. Renowned for his elegance, refinement, and the range of his performances, Howard’s career spanned across theatre, film, and even radio, with his most memorable roles leaving a lasting impact on both British and American cinema. His untimely death in 1943, under mysterious circumstances, only added to the enigmatic nature of his legacy.

While Howard's fame is most often attributed to his portrayal of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind (1939), his body of work is far more expansive and varied. He was a talented and respected actor who brought depth, subtlety, and humanity to his roles—often in complex, romantic, or troubled characters.

Early Life and Theatre Beginnings

Leslie Howard Steiner was born on April 3, 1893, in London to Hungarian-Jewish parents. His upbringing was marked by the contrasting influences of a culturally rich, intellectual family and the backdrop of early 20th-century England. His family was initially well-off, but the financial challenges of post-World War I Britain soon led Howard to explore various career options, though his interest in theatre ultimately defined his future.

Howard’s stage career began in earnest during the early 1920s when he made his West End debut. A pivotal moment came in 1924 when he played the role of the romantic lead in the play The Great Adventure, which was a success and led to more prominent theatre roles. His charm, suave persona, and distinctive voice quickly marked him as a significant figure in British theatre. By the time he transitioned into films, Howard had already built a reputation for being a skilled and charismatic actor, comfortable with both the stage and the screen.

Transition to Film: British Beginnings

Howard’s entry into films occurred in the mid-1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that he began to make a significant name for himself in British cinema. His early roles were primarily in melodramatic films and comedies, but they showcased his ability to bring a touch of sophistication and intellectualism to his performances.

He first gained international recognition in 1931 for his role in The Scar, a British crime film, but it was his work with famed British director Alfred Hitchcock that solidified his place as a leading figure in British cinema. In Hitchcock's The 39 Steps (1935), Howard starred as the intelligent and charming hero Richard Hannay. The film, which is widely considered one of Hitchcock's masterpieces, is a thrilling tale of espionage, and Howard’s performance as a suave, quick-thinking man of action helped to define his screen persona for years to come.

Howard was known for his restraint and his ability to bring nuance to even the most conventional of roles. His portrayal of restrained, intellectual characters often placed him at the centre of complex narratives that were less concerned with action and more interested in the psychological tensions of its protagonists. This made him a favourite for sophisticated dramas.

Hollywood Stardom: Gone with the Wind and Iconic Roles

Though Leslie Howard was highly regarded in Britain, his breakthrough into Hollywood stardom came with his casting in Gone with the Wind (1939), one of the most beloved and successful films of all time. Howard played Ashley Wilkes, the conflicted Southern gentleman who is caught between his love for Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) and his loyalty to his wife, Melanie (Olivia de Havilland). While Gone with the Wind is largely remembered for the magnetic performances of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, Howard's portrayal of Ashley, though often overshadowed by more central characters, remains a key part of the film's emotional heart.

Ashley Wilkes is a role that requires a delicate balance of warmth, indecision, and moral integrity. Howard's nuanced performance as a man who is deeply in love with Scarlett but too honourable to act on his feelings for her resonates with the audience, making his character both sympathetic and tragically flawed. The role cemented Howard’s status as a major Hollywood actor, despite his relatively modest screen time in comparison to other stars like Gable and Leigh.

His association with Gone with the Wind would ensure his lasting legacy, but Howard's work during the 1930s and early 1940s extended far beyond this one iconic role. He also starred in films like Pimpernel Smith (1941), in which he played Sir Percy Blakeney, a character who led a double life as a foppish aristocrat and a daring leader of a resistance group during the French Revolution. His portrayal in Pimpernel Smith was one of his most admired performances and showcased his ability to blend charm with subtle heroism, as well as his gift for playing characters with complex moral codes.

Howard's ability to bring intellectual weight and humanity to his roles allowed him to continue to find success in Hollywood, though his true passions lay in the art of performance itself. His British training, particularly his work in theatre, informed his film acting style, and he was always interested in the deeper psychological layers of his characters.

Personal Life and Political Views

In addition to his acting career, Howard’s personal life and political views garnered significant attention. Howard was deeply intellectual and politically aware, a fact that influenced much of his work. He was an outspoken critic of fascism and Nazism, and his anti-authoritarian views were reflected in many of his roles, particularly in his portrayal of the valiant, resistant characters in films like Pimpernel Smith.

Although he was largely seen as a political liberal, Howard did not align himself with any particular political party. Rather, he believed in individual freedom and used his prominence to speak out against the rise of fascism in Europe. In particular, he was vocal about the dangers posed by Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, and as World War II loomed closer, Howard became increasingly committed to supporting the British war effort. He was a staunch supporter of the fight against the Nazis, which would ultimately play a role in his tragic death.

Leslie Howard's life was also marked by his strong relationships with his family. He was married to Ruth Evelyn Martin, with whom he had two children, and was described by his peers as a caring and intelligent man off-screen. His ability to balance his professional commitments with a stable family life endeared him to those who worked with him.

The Tragic End: A Death Shrouded in Mystery

Leslie Howard’s life was tragically cut short during World War II. On June 1, 1943, Howard was aboard a civilian aircraft, a British Overseas Airways Corporation flight travelling from Lisbon to London. The plane, a Lockheed L-749 Constellation, was shot down by the German Luftwaffe over the Bay of Biscay. It was widely speculated that the plane was targeted specifically because of Howard’s outspoken opposition to Nazi Germany, and it is believed that his political views and public statements may have made him a target for the Nazis. His death was tragic not just for his family, but for the film industry, which lost one of its most talented and versatile actors.

Though the exact circumstances surrounding Howard’s death remain a subject of debate—some historians argue that his targeting was incidental, and others suggest that he was specifically chosen for assassination—the tragedy of his passing cut short a promising career that had already left a lasting legacy. At the time of his death, Howard was just 50 years old.

Legacy and Recognition

Leslie Howard’s legacy continues to resonate with cinema lovers and historians. He is remembered for his contributions to both British and American cinema, with his performances still regarded as elegant, nuanced, and emotionally resonant. His versatility as an actor allowed him to thrive in a variety of genres, from romantic dramas to war films, always bringing a sense of dignity and intellectual gravitas to his characters.

Despite the controversies surrounding his final days, Howard's death and the mystery surrounding it only added to the aura of his legacy. He was honoured posthumously for his contributions to the arts, and in the years since his death, many of his films have continued to be revisited and appreciated by new generations of moviegoers.

His most famous role as Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind will forever define his place in Hollywood history, but it is important to note that his acting career was rich and varied, spanning from classic thrillers to sophisticated dramas. His contributions to theatre and film were instrumental in shaping the landscape of 20th-century cinema.

Conclusion

Leslie Howard's legacy as one of the great character actors of his era remains firmly in place today. He was an actor who combined intellectual depth with undeniable charm, a man whose roles were defined by their emotional complexity and restraint. His untimely death may have robbed the world of future performances, but the body of work he left behind continues to stand as a testament to his skill and enduring appeal. Whether as the tragic Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind or the heroic Sir Percy Blakeney in Pimpernel Smith, Howard’s portrayals continue to resonate, solidifying him as one of the most gifted actors of his generation.