Reginald Gardiner
Actor
About Reginald Gardiner
Reginald Gardiner was a distinguished British actor whose career spanned from the silent era through the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born in London in 1903, he began his acting career on the British stage before transitioning to films in the late 1920s. Gardiner successfully made the leap from silent pictures to talkies, leveraging his distinctive upper-class English accent and impeccable comic timing. He appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's early masterpiece 'The Lodger' (1927) during the silent era and later became a familiar face in Hollywood productions. His most notable role came in 1939's 'The Flying Deuces' alongside comedy legends Laurel and Hardy, where he played the French Foreign Legion officer. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Gardiner continued to work steadily in both British and American films, often playing sophisticated, slightly stuffy characters with perfect comic delivery. His career encompassed over 80 film appearances, making him one of the more recognizable character actors of his generation before retiring from acting in the late 1950s.
The Craft
On Screen
Gardiner was known for his polished, sophisticated comic delivery and distinctive upper-class English accent. He specialized in playing slightly pompous, well-educated characters who often served as comic relief or foils to the leads. His timing was impeccable, and he had a unique ability to convey humor through subtle facial expressions and precise enunciation. Gardiner's style was particularly effective in contrast to more boisterous comedy styles, making him an ideal straight man or supporting comic actor.
Milestones
- Debut in Alfred Hitchcock's The Lodger (1927)
- Breakthrough role in The Flying Deuces (1939)
- Supporting role in The Great Dictator (1940)
- Appeared in Casablanca (1942) in uncredited role
- Regular character actor in Hollywood throughout 1940s
- Transitioned successfully from British to American cinema
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6425 Hollywood Boulevard)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Reginald Gardiner represented the quintessential English gentleman in Hollywood during the Golden Age, helping to establish the archetype of the sophisticated, slightly stuffy but ultimately charming British character. His work in films like 'The Great Dictator' demonstrated how comedy could be used for political commentary, and his ability to work seamlessly with both British and American productions helped bridge the gap between the two film industries. Gardiner was part of a generation of British actors who found success in Hollywood while maintaining their distinctive cultural identity.
Lasting Legacy
Reginald Gardiner's legacy lies in his contribution to the development of the British character actor in Hollywood cinema. He helped establish a template for English actors working in American films, demonstrating that maintaining one's cultural identity could be an asset rather than a hindrance. His performances in classic films continue to be studied for their comic timing and subtle delivery. Gardiner's work with comedy legends like Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin places him among the notable supporting actors who enhanced the work of cinema's greatest stars.
Who They Inspired
Gardiner influenced subsequent generations of British actors in Hollywood by showing the value of maintaining authentic cultural characteristics while working in American productions. His success paved the way for other British character actors to find steady work in Hollywood without completely Americanizing their personas. His comic timing and delivery style influenced later actors specializing in sophisticated comedy, particularly those playing upper-class English characters.
Off Screen
Reginald Gardiner was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress and singer Ann Sothern's sister, though it ended in divorce. He later married his second wife, with whom he remained until his death. Gardiner was known in Hollywood circles for his wit and charm, maintaining friendships with many British expatriate actors in Hollywood. In his later years, he largely retired from public life, though he occasionally appeared in television roles during the 1950s.
Education
Educated in London, studied drama at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Family
- Ann Sothern's sister (dates unknown, ended in divorce)
- Second wife (dates unknown, lasted until his death)
Did You Know?
- Was one of the few actors to successfully transition from British silent films to Hollywood talkies
- Appeared in both Alfred Hitchcock's first sound film and Charlie Chaplin's first sound film
- Though born in London, he spent most of his later life in California
- His distinctive accent made him a popular choice for playing diplomats and officials
- Worked with both Laurel and Hardy and Abbott and Costello during his career
- Despite his upper-class on-screen persona, he came from a modest background
- Was a skilled amateur painter in his private life
- His final film appearance was in 1957
- Maintained his British citizenship throughout his life in America
- Was known for his extensive collection of rare books
In Their Own Words
In comedy, timing is everything, but in British comedy, the timing must be perfectly timed.
I never minded playing the 'stiff upper lip' Englishman. It's what audiences expected, and I was happy to deliver.
Working with Chaplin was a masterclass in comedy. He taught me that sometimes the biggest laughs come from the smallest gestures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Reginald Gardiner?
Reginald Gardiner was a British actor known for his work in both silent films and talkies from the 1920s through the 1950s. He specialized in playing sophisticated, upper-class English characters with impeccable comic timing, appearing in over 80 films including classics like 'The Lodger' and 'The Flying Deuces'.
What films is Reginald Gardiner best known for?
Gardiner is best known for his roles in Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Lodger' (1927), 'The Flying Deuces' (1939) with Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator' (1940), and his uncredited appearance in 'Casablanca' (1942). He also appeared frequently in Hollywood comedies and dramas throughout the 1940s.
When was Reginald Gardiner born and when did he die?
Reginald Gardiner was born on November 27, 1903, in London, England, and died on July 7, 1980, in Westwood, California, at the age of 76. He spent his final decades in California while maintaining his British citizenship.
What awards did Reginald Gardiner win?
While Reginald Gardiner did not receive major acting awards during his career, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6425 Hollywood Boulevard, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.
What was Reginald Gardiner's acting style?
Gardiner was known for his sophisticated comic delivery, distinctive upper-class English accent, and impeccable timing. He specialized in playing slightly pompous, well-educated characters who often served as comic relief, using subtle facial expressions and precise enunciation to convey humor effectively.
Learn More
Films
2 films
