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Roland Young

  • Writer: Soames Inscker
    Soames Inscker
  • Jul 4
  • 3 min read
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Roland Young was an English-born actor whose genteel charm, dry wit, and impeccable comic timing made him one of Hollywood’s most beloved character actors during the 1930s and 1940s. He gained fame for playing soft-spoken, slightly befuddled gentlemen, most notably the banker Cosmo Topper, and earned both critical acclaim and enduring affection from audiences.


Early Life & Education

Born: 11 November 1887, London, England; son of an architect.

Education: Sherborne School → University College London → Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Stage Debut: West End in Find the Woman (1908); Broadway debut in Hindle Wakes (1912)


His father initially envisioned a career in architecture or finance for him, but a bout of illness prompted a heartfelt conversation that led Young to embrace the stage—under his father’s reluctant blessing—setting him on the path to RADA and a life in acting.


Stage, Silent Films & WWI

Broadway & London's West End: Frequently alternated roles between classic drama (Ibsen, Chekhov) and modern farce like Good Gracious Annabelle! and The Last of Mrs. Cheyney.

Military Service: Became a naturalised U.S. citizen in 1918 and served in the U.S. Army during World War I.

Film Debut: Played Dr. Watson opposite John Barrymore in Sherlock Holmes (1922)


Rise in Hollywood

Signed with MGM, Young transitioned to talkies with The Unholy Night (1929), and soon earned praise for his comedic flair in films like Don’t Bet on Women (1931).

His film highlights include:

  • Ruggles of Red Gap (1935): played the inebriated Earl of Burnstead.

  • David Copperfield (1935): portrayed the conniving Uriah Heep.

  • The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936): showed his flair for subtle fantasy comedy.


Defining Role: Topper (1937)

Young’s most iconic role was Cosmo Topper, a staid banker who’s haunted by ghostly newlyweds in Topper (1937)—a part he made unforgettable. This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.


He reprised the role in two sequels and a radio series, enjoying his sharpest and most endearing comedic turn on screen.


Later Film Highlights

  • The Philadelphia Story (1940): played charming Uncle Willie who famously “pinches bottoms”—a standout role alongside Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.

  • And Then There Were None (1945): memorable performance as detective Blore in this classic Christie mystery.

  • Additional works include King Solomon’s Mines, New Moon, Two-Faced Woman, The Great Lover, St. Benny the Dip, and That Man from Tangier—his final film appearance in 1953.


Radio, TV & Stage Encore

  • Starred in a 1945 radio version of Topper and appeared in serials like William and Mary.

  • Television roles included appearances on Studio One in Hollywood, Lux Video Theatre, and Chevrolet Tele-Theatre into the early 1950s.


Awards, Recognition & Legacy

  • Oscar Nomination: Best Supporting Actor for Topper (1938).

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Received two stars in 1960—for motion pictures and television.

  • Known for his impeccable genteel persona, Roland Young's portrayals offered a refined comic brilliance—sharp-witted, unassuming, and charming.


Personal & Final Years

  • Height: 5′ 6″; described as a short, balding gentleman with a meticulously groomed mustache.

  • Married twice: to Marjorie Kummer (1921–1940) and later to Dorothy Patience May DuCroz (from 1948 until his death).

  • Died of natural causes at age 65 in his New York apartment on 5 June 1953.


Legacy

Roland Young remains a beloved fixture in the Golden Age of cinema. His legacy is defined not by leading man status, but by his ability to elevate every ensemble with his poised humour and understated charm.


In roles big and small, he was unforgettable—a “gentleman’s gentleman” whose performances still delight new generations of classic film enthusiasts.


Whether as the beleaguered banker haunted by ghosts, or Uncle Willie making a scene in The Philadelphia Story, Young's elegance and wit remain timeless reminders of his remarkable talent.


Essential Films to Watch

  • Topper (1937) – Cosmo Topper

  • Ruggles of Red Gap (1935)

  • David Copperfield (1935) – Uriah Heep

  • The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936)

  • The Philadelphia Story (1940) – Uncle Willie

  • And Then There Were None (1945)


Exploring these gems offers a delightful journey through a career rich in character, humour, and the understated grace that made Roland Young one of Hollywood’s enduring treasures.


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