# Ben Kingsley

> English actor (born 1943)

**Wikidata**: [Q173158](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173158)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Kingsley)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-kingsley

## Summary
Ben Kingsley is an English actor born in 1943, known for his distinctive voice and roles in films such as *Gandhi* (1982), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. He is a character actor who has appeared in over 100 films and is recognized for his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.

## Biography
- Born: December 31, 1943 (exact date and place not specified in source material)
- Nationality: English (United Kingdom)
- Education: Attended Manchester Grammar School and the University of Salford
- Known for: Winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Employer(s): Independent actor, Royal Shakespeare Company (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Acting (film, television, theater)

## Contributions
Ben Kingsley has contributed to the film industry through his performances in notable roles, including:
- **Gandhi** (1982): Played Mahatma Gandhi, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
- **Schindler's List** (1993): Played Itzhak Stern, a key supporting role.
- **The BFG** (1989): Voiced the character of the Big Friendly Giant.
- **The Princess Bride** (1987): Played the character of Count Rugen.
- **The Lion King** (1994): Provided the voice of Scar.
- **The King's Speech** (2010): Played King George VI.
- **The One and Only Ivan** (2020): Voiced the character of Bob.

## FAQs
**What is Ben Kingsley known for?**
Ben Kingsley is known for his distinctive voice and roles in films such as *Gandhi* (1982), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. He is a character actor who has appeared in over 100 films and is recognized for his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.

**Where has Ben Kingsley worked?**
Ben Kingsley has worked in various films, including *Gandhi* (1982), *Schindler's List* (1993), *The Princess Bride* (1987), and *The Lion King* (1994). He has also been affiliated with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

**What awards has Ben Kingsley received?**
Ben Kingsley has received numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982), BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What is Ben Kingsley's educational background?**
Ben Kingsley attended Manchester Grammar School and the University of Salford.

## Why They Matter
Ben Kingsley's work has significantly influenced the film industry, particularly in character acting. His performance in *Gandhi* (1982) earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. His roles in films like *Schindler's List* (1993) and *The Lion King* (1994) have left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors. His ability to portray complex and eccentric characters has made him a respected figure in the entertainment world.

## Notable For
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Received BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role for *Gandhi* (1982) and *The BFG* (1989)
- Won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Received the National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Received the British Independent Film Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Schindler's List* (1993)
- Received the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie for *The King's Speech* (2010)
- Knighted by the British monarch, receiving the title of Knight Bachelor
- Received the Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Won the European Film Award for Best Actor for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ben Kingsley was born in 1943 in the United Kingdom. He attended Manchester Grammar School and later studied at the University of Salford, where he developed an interest in acting.

### Career Beginnings
Ben Kingsley began his acting career in the 1960s, performing in theater productions. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he honed his skills and gained recognition for his performances.

### Breakthrough Role
Ben Kingsley's breakthrough role came in 1982 with the film *Gandhi*, where he portrayed Mahatma Gandhi. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.

### Notable Film Roles
Throughout his career, Ben Kingsley has taken on a variety of roles in films such as:
- **Schindler's List** (1993): Played Itzhak Stern, a key supporting role.
- **The Princess Bride** (1987): Played the character of Count Rugen.
- **The Lion King** (1994): Provided the voice of Scar.
- **The King's Speech** (2010): Played King George VI.
- **The One and Only Ivan** (2020): Voiced the character of Bob.

### Awards and Recognition
Ben Kingsley has received numerous awards and honors, including:
- Academy Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role for *Gandhi* (1982) and *The BFG* (1989)
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for *Gandhi* (1982)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for *Gandhi* (1982)
- British Independent Film Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Schindler's List* (1993)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie for *The King's Speech* (2010)
- Knight Bachelor title from the British monarch
- Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- European Film Award for Best Actor for *The One and Only Ivan* (2020)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

### Legacy
Ben Kingsley's contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors. His ability to portray complex and eccentric characters has made him a respected figure in the entertainment world. His work continues to inspire and influence actors and filmmakers worldwide.

## References

1. [The Big Interview: Sir Ben Kingsley. 2013](http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/yorkshire-living/arts/cinema/the-big-interview-sir-ben-kingsley-1-5645106)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-06-19/sir-ben-kingsleys-identity-is-as-colourful-as-his-characters/)
5. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-2001.72.0.html)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. SNAC
8. Internet Broadway Database
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. filmportal.de
11. Discogs
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Proleksis Encyclopedia
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Ben Kingsley | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7538475A/Ben_Kingsley?merge=true&duplicates=OL7538476A&mrid=130074)
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2001.99.0.html)
19. CONOR.SI
20. BBC Things
21. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
22. Enciclopedia Treccani
23. The Movie Database
24. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
25. performing-arts.ch