Laurence Hanray, a highly acclaimed and accomplished British film and theatre actor, was born Lawrence Henry Jacobs on May 16, 1874, in the affluent and historic neighborhood of St John's Wood, located in the heart of London, England.
As the son of Angelo Jacobs, a glass manufacturer, Laurence's early life was marked by the influence of his father's entrepreneurial spirit and creative endeavors. However, fate had other plans, and Angelo Jacobs' business ventures ultimately led to his bankruptcy in 1897.
In the face of this adversity, Angelo Jacobs made the bold decision to change the family name to Hanray, a move that would have a profound impact on the trajectory of Laurence's life. Interestingly, Laurence had already begun using the name Hanray professionally as early as 1892, when he took to the stage in supporting roles in two of Shakespeare's most iconic plays, Hamlet and Macbeth, at Her Majesty's Theatre in Dundee.
Laurence Hanray's formative years in the entertainment industry commenced in 1901, marking the beginning of a significant period in his life, as he embarked on a journey that would take him to the distant shores of Australia and New Zealand, a trip that would last for three remarkable years, during which time he had the opportunity to appear in a variety of productions, including the hilarious farce, "Turned Up", which was staged at the prestigious Theatre Royal in Perth, a renowned institution in the Australian city.
Following his time in the Antipodes, Hanray returned to Britain, where he continued to hone his craft by touring the country, sharing his talents with audiences in numerous towns and cities. By the time the 1911 census was conducted, Hanray had established a permanent residence at the esteemed Woolton Hall Hydropathic Hotel, a luxurious retreat located in the picturesque village of Much Woolton, Lancashire, England, a place where he could rest and recharge between performances.
Laurence Hanray's personal life was marked by two marriages, the first of which was to Dorothy Mary Chambers Farnsworth in 1914, a union that remained childless. Subsequently, in 1918, he tied the knot with Lois Grace Heatherley, a fellow actress, with whom he would go on to share a daughter, Ursula Susan Edith Hanray, born on November 16, 1923. Notably, Lois and Laurence collaborated on stage together, appearing in notable productions such as The Faithful Heart and Escape at the esteemed Booth Theatre on Broadway.
Laurence Hanray, a renowned figure in the theatre and film industry, left a lasting legacy that spanned several decades, with his final recorded appearance being a play at the esteemed Dunfermline Abbey Theatre, a testament to his enduring passion for the performing arts, on November 28, 1947, at the age of 73, marking the end of his remarkable journey.
Lois Hanray, Laurence's life partner, also left an indelible mark on the world, departing this mortal coil on April 25, 1966, at the age of 74, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and experiences.
Their daughter, Ursula, a talented young actress in her own right, went on to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her portrayals of iconic characters, including the title role in the groundbreaking 1937 televised production of Alice Through The Looking Glass and the young Queen Victoria in a London theatre production in 1940, cementing her place as a rising star in the world of theatre and film.
