Leo G. Carroll
About
Biography
Biography
British thespian Leo G. Carroll began acting comparatively late, appearing on stage for the very first time at the age of 26 and then suspending his budding career to join the British Army during World War II. But by the late 1920s, Carroll was working regularly in both the West End and Broadway, and made his film debut in 1934. Acclaimed roles as Marley's Ghost opposite Reginald Owen as Scrooge in the 1938 "A Christmas Carol" and as Joseph in William Wyler's classic adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" were followed by a string of films by the great Alfred Hitchcock, including pivotal roles in "Rebecca," "Spellbound," "Strangers On A Train," and "North By Northwest." Carroll also had a facility for comedy, best seen as the splendidly sycophantic caterer in "Father of the Bride" and in three seasons as the straight-laced milquetoast Cosmo Topper in the paranormal situation comedy "Topper." Carroll returned to television for what would become his most famous role, as Alexander Waverly, head of international spy organization UNCLE, in "The Man From UNCLE" and its short-lived spinoff "The Girl From UNCLE," as well as several quickly-made film sequels. Carroll died in 1972.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Life Events
1911
Stage acting debut
1912
First appearances on London and New York stage
1924
Moved permanently to the USA
1934
Film acting debut
1937
Co-starred in "Captains Courageous"
1939
Acted in support of Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon in "Wuthering Heights"
1940
Appeared in "Rebecca", starring Joan Fontaine and produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock; first of six films with Hitchcock
1941
Reteamed with Hitchcock and Joan Fontaine in "Suspicion"
1945
Cast as the villain in Hitchcock's "Spellbound"
1947
Acted in "Forever Amber"
1950
Played the caterer in "Father of the Bride"
1951
Portrayed a senator in "Strangers on a Train"
1953
Played title character in the CBS series "Topper"
1955
Supported Humphrey Bogart in "We're No Angels"
1959
Had featured role in "North by Northwest"; last film with Hitchcock
1961
Played the reverend set to officiate at a wedding in the Disney comedy "The Parent Trap"
1962
Co-starred in the TV series "Going My Way"
1964
Created signature role of Alexander Waverly on the NBC spy series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
1966
Also played Waverly in the spin-off "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E." (NBC)
1969
Last film, "From Nashville with Music"