Francis De Wolff, a gifted thespian, made his grand entrance into the world on January 7, 1913, in the idyllic county of Essex, nestled in the southeastern region of England, a country comprising the United Kingdom. This remarkable individual's illustrious acting career was characterized by a wide range of notable film appearances, including his iconic roles in A Christmas Carol, a 1951 cinematic masterpiece, From Russia with Love, a 1963 espionage thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, and Moby Dick, a 1956 epic adaptation of Herman Melville's timeless literary classic. Throughout his life, Francis De Wolff was united in matrimony with three extraordinary women: Linda Finch, a partner in his personal and professional journey; Melissa Dundas, a love that endured for a significant period; and Jean Fairlie, a companion who brought joy and companionship to his life. Unfortunately, his remarkable life came to a close on April 18, 1984, in the charming county of Sussex, also situated in the southeastern region of England, a country he called home.
Personal Details
BornJan 7, 1913 Essex, England, UK
Spouse
Linda Finch
( Dec 31, 1969 to Apr 18, 1984 )Melissa Dundas
( Dec 31, 1969 to Sep 1, 1971 )Jean Fairlie
( Dec 31, 1969 to May 12, 2025 )
Biography
Career
{"id":183728,"title":"Elementary My Dear Watson: The Man Behind Sherlock Holmes","year":"2009","character":"Doctor Mortimer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/elementary-my-dear-watson-the-man-behind-sherlock-holmes","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_183728.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_183728.jpg"},"released":1}
2009

Elementary My Dear Watson: The Man Behind Sherlock Holmes as Doctor Mortimer
{"id":80280,"title":"Peter Cushing: A One-Way Ticket to Hollywood","year":"1989","character":"Dr.Mortimer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/peter-cushing-a-one-way-ticket-to-hollywood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_80280.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_80280.jpg"},"released":1}
1989

Peter Cushing: A One-Way Ticket to Hollywood as Dr.Mortimer
{"id":10153,"title":"Jesus of Nazareth","year":1977,"character":"Simon the Pharisee","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/jesus-of-nazareth","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_10153.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_10153.jpg"},"released":1}
1977

Jesus of Nazareth as Simon the Pharisee
{"id":22499,"title":"The Three Musketeers","year":"1973","character":"Sea Captain","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-three-musketeers-1973","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r5g8p6akg20.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/6r5g8p6akg20.jpg"},"released":1}
1973

The Three Musketeers as Sea Captain
{"id":109015,"title":"The Canterbury Tales","year":"1972","character":"The Bride's Father (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-canterbury-tales-1972","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_109015.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_109015.jpg"},"released":1}
1972

The Canterbury Tales as The Bride's Father (uncredited)
{"id":24586,"title":"Sinful Davey","year":"1969","character":"Andrew","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sinful-davey","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_24586.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_24586.jpg"},"released":1}
1969

Sinful Davey as Andrew
{"id":65364,"title":"Triple Cross","year":"1966","character":"German Colonel General","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/triple-cross","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/10qln7hn015g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/10qln7hn015g.jpg"},"released":1}
1966

Triple Cross as German Colonel General
{"id":82108,"title":"The Second Best Secret Agent in the Whole Wide World","year":"1965","character":"Walter Pickering","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-second-best-secret-agent-in-the-whole-wide-world","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82108.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82108.jpg"},"released":1}
1965

The Second Best Secret Agent in the Whole Wide World as Walter Pickering
{"id":82149,"title":"Devil Doll","year":"1964","character":"Dr. Keisling","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/devil-doll","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82149.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82149.jpg"},"released":1}
1964

Devil Doll as Dr. Keisling
{"id":65706,"title":"The Black Torment","year":"1964","character":"Black John","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-black-torment","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65706.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65706.jpg"},"released":1}

The Black Torment as Black John
{"id":11972,"title":"Carry on Cleo","year":"1964","character":"Agrippa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/carry-on-cleo","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_11972.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_11972.jpg"},"released":1}

Carry on Cleo as Agrippa
{"id":87905,"title":"The World Ten Times Over","year":"1963","character":"Shelbourne","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-world-ten-times-over","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_87905.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_87905.jpg"},"released":1}
1963

The World Ten Times Over as Shelbourne
{"id":12940,"title":"From Russia with Love","year":"1963","character":"Vavra","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/from-russia-with-love","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/31ofl9veak0g.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/31ofl9veak0g.jpg"},"released":1}

From Russia with Love as Vavra
{"id":96179,"title":"Siege of the Saxons","year":"1963","character":"The Blacksmith","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/siege-of-the-saxons","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_96179.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_96179.jpg"},"released":1}

Siege of the Saxons as The Blacksmith
{"id":65784,"title":"The Three Lives of Thomasina","year":"1963","character":"King Targu","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-three-lives-of-thomasina","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65784.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65784.jpg"},"released":1}

The Three Lives of Thomasina as King Targu
{"id":173617,"title":"The Durant Affair","year":"1962","character":"Mario Costello","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-durant-affair","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_173617.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_173617.jpg"},"released":1}
1962

The Durant Affair as Mario Costello
{"id":173635,"title":"The Silent Invasion","year":"1962","character":"Emile","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-silent-invasion","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_173635.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_173635.jpg"},"released":1}

The Silent Invasion as Emile
{"id":66221,"title":"The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll","year":"1960","character":"Inspector","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-two-faces-of-dr-jekyll","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4sqvoal9piq0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4sqvoal9piq0.jpg"},"released":1}
1960

The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll as Inspector
{"id":186512,"title":"Clue of the Twisted Candle","year":"1960","character":"Ramon Karadis","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/clue-of-the-twisted-candle","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186512.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186512.jpg"},"released":1}

Clue of the Twisted Candle as Ramon Karadis
{"id":66072,"title":"The Savage Innocents","year":"1960","character":"Trading Post Proprieter","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-savage-innocents","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3lnatumen4fg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3lnatumen4fg.jpg"},"released":1}

The Savage Innocents as Trading Post Proprieter
{"id":11847,"title":"The Hound of the Baskervilles","year":"1959","character":"Doctor Mortimer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/57gnfmf60vs0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/57gnfmf60vs0.jpg"},"released":1}
1959

The Hound of the Baskervilles as Doctor Mortimer
{"id":66328,"title":"The Man Who Could Cheat Death","year":"1959","character":"Inspector Legris","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-man-who-could-cheat-death","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1sdf00msosk0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1sdf00msosk0.jpg"},"released":1}

The Man Who Could Cheat Death as Inspector Legris
{"id":66630,"title":"Sea Fury","year":"1958","character":"Mulder","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sea-fury","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66630.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66630.jpg"},"released":1}
1958

Sea Fury as Mulder
{"id":66467,"title":"Corridors of Blood","year":"1958","character":"Black Ben","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/corridors-of-blood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66467.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66467.jpg"},"released":1}

Corridors of Blood as Black Ben
{"id":30464,"title":"The Roots of Heaven","year":"1958","character":"Father Fargue","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-roots-of-heaven","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_30464.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_30464.jpg"},"released":1}

The Roots of Heaven as Father Fargue
{"id":66688,"title":"Saint Joan","year":"1957","character":"La Tremouille","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/saint-joan","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66688.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66688.jpg"},"released":1}
1957

Saint Joan as La Tremouille
{"id":66792,"title":"Big Time Operators","year":"1957","character":"Albert Hardcastle","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/big-time-operators","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66792.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66792.jpg"},"released":1}

Big Time Operators as Albert Hardcastle
{"id":66995,"title":"Odongo: An Adventure of the African Frontier","year":"1956","character":"George Watford","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/odongo-an-adventure-of-the-african-frontier","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66995.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66995.jpg"},"released":1}
1956

Odongo: An Adventure of the African Frontier as George Watford
{"id":11978,"title":"Moby Dick","year":"1956","character":"Capt. Gardiner","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/moby-dick","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3bl1niq7f0j0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3bl1niq7f0j0.jpg"},"released":1}

Moby Dick as Capt. Gardiner
{"id":186662,"title":"King's Rhapsody","year":"1955","character":"The Prime Minister","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/kings-rhapsody-1955","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186662.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186662.jpg"},"released":1}
1955

King's Rhapsody as The Prime Minister
{"id":96504,"title":"Wee Geordie","year":"1955","character":"Samson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/wee-geordie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_96504.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_96504.jpg"},"released":1}

Wee Geordie as Samson
{"id":67302,"title":"The Diamond Wizard","year":"1954","character":"Yeo","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-diamond-wizard","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67302.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67302.jpg"},"released":1}
1954

The Diamond Wizard as Yeo
{"id":67498,"title":"Land of Fury","year":"1954","character":"Capt. Bryce","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/land-of-fury","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67498.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67498.jpg"},"released":1}

Land of Fury as Capt. Bryce
{"id":67599,"title":"The Master of Ballantrae","year":"1953","character":"Matthew Bull","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-master-of-ballantrae","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67599.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67599.jpg"},"released":1}
1953

The Master of Ballantrae as Matthew Bull
{"id":67680,"title":"The Little Kidnappers","year":"1953","character":"Jan Hooft Sr.","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-little-kidnappers-1953","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_67680.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_67680.jpg"},"released":1}

The Little Kidnappers as Jan Hooft Sr.
{"id":14907,"title":"Ivanhoe","year":"1952","character":"Front De Boeuf","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ivanhoe","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3m347kvfu5ng.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/3m347kvfu5ng.jpg"},"released":1}
1952

Ivanhoe as Front De Boeuf
{"id":82669,"title":"Miss Robin Hood","year":"1952","character":"Accident Policeman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/miss-robin-hood","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82669.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82669.jpg"},"released":1}

Miss Robin Hood as Accident Policeman
{"id":67914,"title":"Moulin Rouge","year":"1952","character":"Victor (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/moulin-rouge-1952","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5k039lsh3nq0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5k039lsh3nq0.jpg"},"released":1}

Moulin Rouge as Victor (uncredited)
{"id":82727,"title":"Tom Brown's Schooldays","year":"1951","character":"Squire Brown","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tom-browns-schooldays","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82727.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82727.jpg"},"released":1}
1951

Tom Brown's Schooldays as Squire Brown
{"id":524,"title":"A Christmas Carol","year":"1951","character":"Spirit of Christmas Present","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-christmas-carol-1951","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_524.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_524.jpg"},"released":1}

A Christmas Carol as Spirit of Christmas Present
{"id":35624,"title":"Treasure Island","year":"1950","character":"Black Dog","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/treasure-island-1950","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/be2suje0ec80.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/be2suje0ec80.jpg"},"released":1}
1950

Treasure Island as Black Dog
{"id":82842,"title":"The Gay Lady","year":"1949","character":"George Edwardes","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-gay-lady","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82842.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82842.jpg"},"released":1}
1949

The Gay Lady as George Edwardes
{"id":69129,"title":"Adam and Evalyn","year":"1949","character":"2nd Man at Restaurant Bar (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/adam-and-evalyn","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_69129.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_69129.jpg"},"released":1}

Adam and Evalyn as 2nd Man at Restaurant Bar (uncredited)
{"id":68904,"title":"Under Capricorn","year":"1949","character":"Major Wilkins","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/under-capricorn","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_68904.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_68904.jpg"},"released":1}

Under Capricorn as Major Wilkins
{"id":11943,"title":"Fire Over England","year":"1937","character":"Sir James Tarleton","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/fire-over-england","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_11943.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_11943.jpg"},"released":1}
1937

Fire Over England as Sir James Tarleton