One of the archetypes of the decent and reliable on-screen Englishman, Sir John Mills first appeared on-stage in 1929 as a chorus-dancer.
His first film appearance was with Jessie Matthews in the 1932 film, 'The Midshipmaid'. He rose through the ranks to appear as leading man in 'Tudor Rose' and 'Green Cockatoo'.
After becoming a popular stage performer in light comedies and musicals throughout the thirties Sir John became best known during the Second World War for his roles in patriotic war films, amongst them ‘In Which We Serve’, ‘We Dive at Dawn’ and 'Way to the Stars'.
Post-war Sir John starred in such successful epics as ‘Great Expectations’, 'Scott of the Antarctic', 'The Colditz Story' and the film adaptation of 'Oh! What A Lovely War', as well as stage appearances in ‘Charley’s Aunt’, ‘Ross’ and ‘The Good Companions’.
His favourite film and one of his best performances was as Willie Mossop in ‘Hobson’s Choice’.
In 1970 Sir John won an Oscar for his village idiot portrayal in the David Lean directed film 'Ryan’s Daughter'.
In all he stared in 123 films, 48 plays, numerous television drama’s including ‘Quatermass’ as well as his own one man show ‘An evening with John Mills’.
Sir John was knighted for his services to British entertainment in 1977.
Sadly Sir John passed away after a short illness at his Buckinghamshire home on the 23rd April 2005, Lady Mary whom he loved very much passed away a few months later, they are re united.
