William Rukard Hurd Hatfield, a renowned American actor, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, with his iconic portrayal of the title character in the Academy Award-winning film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's timeless masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray, released in 1945.
Born in the vibrant city of New York, Hatfield's passion for the craft of acting led him to cross the Atlantic, where he enrolled in the prestigious Chekhov Theatre Studio in Devonshire, England, to hone his skills under the tutelage of accomplished instructors.
For over four decades, Hatfield made Ireland his home, residing there since the early 1970s. Throughout his illustrious career, he appeared in a multitude of films, television shows, and stage productions, yet his association with the character of Dorian Gray remains an integral part of his enduring legacy.
Despite the numerous roles he undertook, Hatfield's starring performance in the movie adaptation of Wilde's novel cemented his status as a leading man, forever linking his name to the timeless tale of beauty, morality, and the human condition.