British character actor Harry Andrews had the sort of massive granite face and square jaw that would stamp that career, but he set himself apart with brilliant stage and screen work. He had graduated from Wrekin College in Shropshire and then moved on to the stage, appearing with Liverpool Repertory in 1933 and focusing on Shakespearean roles. He was befriended by stage star 'John Gielgud' thought him very courageous for his obvious triumph over this impediment. Bates further remarked that Andrews' great sense of humor and no-nonsense personable character made him a favorite with younger actors as a continuous well of encouragement and learning experiences. Though his parts were smaller as he grew older, he filled each of his roles, big or small - over 100 of them - with a giant's footsteps.
Attended Wrekin College in Shropshire, England.
Trevor Howard , Alan Bates , Jack Gwillim and Basil Hoskins were among his closest friends.
He had been a professional actor for twenty years before starting to work in films, but was then in so many over the next 25 years that the film critic Barry Took remarked that, if he ever saw a British film that Andrews wasnt in, he began to worry, "because I realize he must have been ill".
He was considered for the role Bundage in Candleshoe before Leo McKern was cast.
He was badly injured when riding a horse when making a film in 1972. It caused him various health problems for the rest of his life.
He was considered for the role of Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars before Peter Cushing was cast.
He was considered for the roles of Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Hans Fallada and Sir Percy Hedestine in Lifeforce .
He was considered for the role of Edward Beddowes in Murder on the Orient Express before John Gielgud was cast.
He was considered for the role of Sir Michael Hughes in Meteor before Trevor Howard was cast.
Served with the Royal Artillery during World War II.
He was awarded the CBE in the 1966 Queens Birthday Honours List for his services to drama.
He appeared in four films directed by Sidney Lumet : The Hill , The Deadly Affair , The Sea Gull and Equus .
