Noël Coward

Noël Coward

Deceased · Born: Dec 16, 1899 · Died: Mar 26, 1973

Personal Details

BornDec 16, 1899 Teddington, Middlesex, England, UK
Parents
  • Arthur Sabin Coward
  • Violet Agnes Coward
Relatives
  • Eric Coward (Sibling)
  • Russell Arthur Coward (Sibling)
  • Henry Gordon Veitch (Grandparent)

Biography

Noel Coward, a quintessential embodiment of Englishness, revolutionized the concept of British identity in the 20th century. This multifaceted polymath, skilled in various arts, including drama, acting, writing, composing, lyricism, painting, and wit, defined Englishness as much as it was defined by him.

Born on December 16, 1899, in suburban Teddington, Coward took to the stage at the tender age of six and began writing his first drama ten years later. A visit to New York in 1921 exposed him to the fast-paced world of Broadway shows, which he incorporated into British drama and music, creating a high-energy rush for the jazz-obsessed and dance-crazy 1920s.

Coward's style was widely imitated, with ordinary Englishmen adopting his signature dressing gowns, cigarette holders, and affectionate terms like "dahling." His revues spread the message through sentimental songs like "A Room With A View" and "I'll See You Again," as well as satirical tunes like "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" and "Don't Put Your Daughter On the Stage, Mrs. Worthington."

By 1930, Coward had become the highest-earning author in the Western world, thanks to his hit play "Private Lives." During World War II, he redefined the nation's spirit through films like "This Happy Breed" (1944),"In Which We Serve" (1942),"Blithe Spirit" (1945),and "Brief Encounter" (1945).

In the post-war era, Coward, the aging Bright Young Thing, initially seemed out of touch with the times, but he reinvented himself as a hip cabaret singer, captivating audiences in the 1960s. His reputation continued to grow, and he was knighted in 1970, eventually passing away on March 26, 1973, in his beloved Jamaica.

Since his passing, Coward's works have remained timeless, with his plays and songs continuing to be performed and sung. This talented individual, who excelled as a playwright, director, actor, songwriter, filmmaker, novelist, and wit, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Career

{"id":159399,"title":"Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker","year":"1991","character":"actor 'Bunny Lake Is Missing' (archive footage) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/preminger-anatomy-of-a-filmmaker","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_159399.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_159399.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker as actor 'Bunny Lake Is Missing' (archive footage) (uncredited)
{"id":161763,"title":"The Golden Gong","year":"1985","character":"","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-golden-gong","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_161763.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_161763.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
{"id":14888,"title":"The Italian Job","year":"1969","character":"Mr. Bridger","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-italian-job-1969","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/56p3lfgdf710.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/56p3lfgdf710.jpg"},"released":1}
1969
The Italian Job
The Italian Job as Mr. Bridger
{"id":32257,"title":"Boom!","year":"1968","character":"The Witch of Capri","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/boom","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32257.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_32257.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
Boom!
Boom! as The Witch of Capri
{"id":166770,"title":"Androcles and the Lion","year":"1967","character":"Caesar","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/androcles-and-the-lion-1967","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166770.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166770.jpg"},"released":1}
1967
{"id":14914,"title":"Bunny Lake Is Missing","year":"1965","character":"Horatio Wilson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bunny-lake-is-missing","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_14914.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_14914.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
Bunny Lake Is Missing
Bunny Lake Is Missing as Horatio Wilson
{"id":65683,"title":"Paris When It Sizzles","year":"1964","character":"Alexander Meyerheim","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/paris-when-it-sizzles-1964","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65683.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65683.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
Paris When It Sizzles
Paris When It Sizzles as Alexander Meyerheim
{"id":66193,"title":"Our Man in Havana","year":"1960","character":"Hawthorne","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/our-man-in-havana","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66193.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66193.jpg"},"released":1}
1960
{"id":66266,"title":"Surprise Package","year":"1960","character":"King Pavel II","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/surprise-package","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_66266.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_66266.jpg"},"released":1}
Surprise Package
Surprise Package as King Pavel II
{"id":186651,"title":"Ford Star Jubilee","year":"1956","character":"Charles Condomine","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ford-star-jubilee-1956","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186651.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186651.jpg"},"released":1}
1956
Ford Star Jubilee
Ford Star Jubilee as Charles Condomine
{"id":82466,"title":"Around the World in 80 Days","year":"1956","character":"Roland Hesketh-Baggott","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/around-the-world-in-80-days-1956","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2dm19fje28b0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2dm19fje28b0.jpg"},"released":1}
Around the World in 80 Days
Around the World in 80 Days as Roland Hesketh-Baggott
{"id":82776,"title":"The Astonished Heart","year":"1950","character":"Dr. Christian Faber","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-astonished-heart","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82776.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82776.jpg"},"released":1}
1950
The Astonished Heart
The Astonished Heart as Dr. Christian Faber
{"id":70179,"title":"Blithe Spirit","year":"1945","character":"Narrator (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/blithe-spirit","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70179.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70179.jpg"},"released":1}
1945
Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit as Narrator (uncredited)
{"id":69869,"title":"Brief Encounter","year":"1945","character":"Train Station Announcer (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/brief-encounter","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1koqeh03lk0o.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1koqeh03lk0o.jpg"},"released":1}
Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter as Train Station Announcer (uncredited)
{"id":70742,"title":"In Which We Serve","year":"1942","character":"Captain E. V. Kinross R.N. \/ Captain 'D'","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/in-which-we-serve","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70742.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70742.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
In Which We Serve
In Which We Serve as Captain E. V. Kinross R.N. / Captain 'D'
{"id":73010,"title":"Men Are Not Gods","year":"1936","character":"Passer-by (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/men-are-not-gods","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73010.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73010.jpg"},"released":1}
1936
Men Are Not Gods
Men Are Not Gods as Passer-by (uncredited)
{"id":73744,"title":"The Scoundrel","year":"1935","character":"Anthony Mallare","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-scoundrel","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_73744.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_73744.jpg"},"released":1}
1935
The Scoundrel
The Scoundrel as Anthony Mallare
{"id":221216,"title":"Hearts of the World","year":"1918","character":"The Man with the Wheelbarrow \/ A Villager in the Streets","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hearts-of-the-world","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_221216.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_221216.jpg"},"released":1}
1918
Hearts of the World
Hearts of the World as The Man with the Wheelbarrow / A Villager in the Streets
{"id":232953,"title":"Mad About the Boy: The Noel Coward Story","year":"2023","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/mad-about-the-boy-the-noel-coward-story","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_232953.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_232953.jpg"},"released":1}
2023
{"id":188486,"title":"Ian Fleming: Where Bond Began","year":"2008","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ian-fleming-where-bond-began","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_188486.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_188486.jpg"},"released":1}
2008
{"id":151689,"title":"American Experience","year":"2005","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/american-experience-2005-3","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_151689.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_151689.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
{"id":176935,"title":"Stars in the House","year":"2020","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/stars-in-the-house-2020-1","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_176935.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_176935.jpg"},"released":1}
2020
{"id":143707,"title":"Present Laughter","year":"2019","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/present-laughter","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_143707.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_143707.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
Present Laughter
Present Laughter as Screenplay
{"id":54201,"title":"Relative Values","year":"2000","job":"Story","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/relative-values","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_54201.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_54201.jpg"},"released":1}
2000
{"id":104808,"title":"Bon Voyage","year":"1985","job":"Story","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bon-voyage-1985","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_104808.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_104808.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Bon Voyage
Bon Voyage as Story
{"id":161947,"title":"What Mad Pursuit?","year":"1985","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/what-mad-pursuit","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_161947.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_161947.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":200751,"title":"Me and the Girls","year":"1985","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/me-and-the-girls","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_200751.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_200751.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":162770,"title":"BBC2 Playhouse","year":"1982","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bbc2-playhouse","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_162770.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_162770.jpg"},"released":1}
1982
{"id":162771,"title":"BBC2 Playhouse","year":"1982","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bbc2-playhouse-1982","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_162771.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_162771.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":198277,"title":"Private Lives","year":"1976","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/private-lives-1976","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_198277.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_198277.jpg"},"released":1}
1976
{"id":166711,"title":"A Matter of Innocence","year":"1967","job":"Story","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-matter-of-innocence","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166711.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166711.jpg"},"released":1}
1967
{"id":186802,"title":"Tonight at 8:30","year":"1952","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tonight-at-830","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186802.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186802.jpg"},"released":1}
1952
{"id":82776,"title":"The Astonished Heart","year":"1950","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-astonished-heart","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_82776.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_82776.jpg"},"released":1}
1950
{"id":69869,"title":"Brief Encounter","year":"1945","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/brief-encounter","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1koqeh03lk0o.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1koqeh03lk0o.jpg"},"released":1}
1945
Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter as Screenplay
{"id":70179,"title":"Blithe Spirit","year":"1945","job":"Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/blithe-spirit","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70179.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70179.jpg"},"released":1}
Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit as Screenplay
{"id":74063,"title":"Cavalcade","year":"1933","job":"Writer, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/cavalcade","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/52vkgjrusfo0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/52vkgjrusfo0.jpg"},"released":1}
1933
Cavalcade
Cavalcade as Writer, Screenplay
{"id":74553,"title":"Bitter Sweet","year":"1933","job":"Novel","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/bitter-sweet-1933","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_74553.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_74553.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":75940,"title":"Easy Virtue","year":"1928","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/easy-virtue-1927","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5lhmvikie380.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/5lhmvikie380.jpg"},"released":1}
1928
Easy Virtue
Easy Virtue as Writer
{"id":186651,"title":"Ford Star Jubilee","year":"1956","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/ford-star-jubilee-1956","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_186651.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_186651.jpg"},"released":1}
1956
{"id":70742,"title":"In Which We Serve","year":"1942","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/in-which-we-serve","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_70742.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_70742.jpg"},"released":1}
1942
In Which We Serve
In Which We Serve as Director, Writer