Peter Lawford
Actor
About Peter Lawford
Peter Sydney Ernest Lawford was born into British aristocracy and rose to become a prominent Hollywood actor during the Golden Age of cinema. After beginning his career in British films as a teenager, he was discovered by MGM studios and moved to Hollywood in the early 1940s, quickly establishing himself as a sophisticated leading man. Lawford became most famous for his membership in the legendary 'Rat Pack' alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop, which cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. His career peaked in the 1950s with starring roles in major productions like 'Royal Wedding' (1951) opposite Fred Astaire, and 'The Good Companions' (1957). His marriage to Patricia Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy, in 1954 further elevated his social and political prominence, though it also created complications in his career. Lawford's later years were marked by declining health, alcoholism, and reduced career opportunities, but he remained active in film and television until his death in 1984, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a talented performer and a cultural figure who bridged Hollywood and political worlds.
The Craft
On Screen
Lawford was known for his refined, sophisticated acting style that perfectly complemented his natural upper-class British background. He specialized in playing charming aristocrats, wealthy gentlemen, and romantic leads with an effortless grace and wit. His performances were characterized by understated elegance, dry humor, and a distinctive upper-crust British accent that he maintained throughout his American career. Rather than relying on dramatic intensity, Lawford's approach emphasized subtle facial expressions, impeccable timing, and a suave demeanor that made him particularly effective in romantic comedies and musicals. His dancing abilities, showcased in 'Royal Wedding,' added another dimension to his performances, allowing him to compete with the era's top musical stars.
Milestones
- Discovered by MGM and signed to Hollywood contract in 1940s
- Starred opposite Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding (1951)
- Became founding member of the Rat Pack in 1950s
- Married Patricia Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy (1954)
- Co-starred in Ocean's Eleven (1960) with the Rat Pack
- Produced and appeared in The Thin Man TV series (1957-1959)
- Published autobiography 'The Peter Lawford Story' in 1983
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor (1948)
Nominated
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for The Good Companions (1957)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard
- Rat Pack induction and permanent association with the legendary group
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Peter Lawford's cultural impact extends far beyond his film performances, as he became a symbol of the intersection between Hollywood glamour and political power during the mid-20th century. As a member of the Rat Pack, he helped define the cool, sophisticated masculinity of the 1950s and early 1960s, influencing fashion, nightlife, and entertainment culture. His marriage into the Kennedy family created an unprecedented link between Hollywood and American political royalty, making him one of the first true celebrity-political figures. Lawford's presence in the Kennedy inner circle during the Camelot years contributed to the mystique and glamour associated with the administration, while his eventual estrangement from both the Kennedys and the Rat Pack reflected the changing cultural dynamics of the late 1960s. His career trajectory from British aristocrat to Hollywood star to political insider exemplified the transatlantic cultural exchange that defined mid-century entertainment, and his struggles with addiction and career decline mirrored the broader challenges faced by many Golden Age stars in adapting to new Hollywood realities.
Lasting Legacy
Peter Lawford's legacy in film history is multifaceted, encompassing his contributions to Golden Age cinema, his role in the Rat Pack phenomenon, and his unique position as a bridge between Hollywood and political power. As an actor, he left behind a body of work that captures the elegance and sophistication of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood, particularly in musicals and romantic comedies where his charm and dancing abilities shone. His most enduring legacy, however, may be his association with the Rat Pack, which continues to fascinate audiences and influence popular culture decades later. Lawford's life story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of fame and the challenges of maintaining success in the demanding entertainment industry. His autobiography and the numerous books and documentaries about the Rat Pack have ensured that his contributions to cinema and culture remain part of the historical record. Today, he is remembered not only for his film performances but also as a cultural figure who embodied the glamour, sophistication, and eventual tragedy of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Who They Inspired
Peter Lawford influenced subsequent generations of actors through his embodiment of the sophisticated, transatlantic leading man archetype that combined British refinement with American star power. His success as a British actor who conquered Hollywood paved the way for other English performers to find success in American cinema. Within the Rat Pack, his presence helped establish the group's diverse dynamic, showing that the ensemble could include both rough-edged performers like Sinatra and Martin and more refined, aristocratic figures like Lawford. His ability to transition between film, television, and stage work demonstrated the versatility required of entertainers in the mid-20th century. Lawford's personal struggles with addiction and his eventual career decline also served as an early example of the challenges faced by celebrities in maintaining their careers and personal well-being, influencing how later generations of stars approached fame and its pitfalls.
Off Screen
Peter Lawford's personal life was as dramatic as his film career, marked by his aristocratic British upbringing, his transition to American stardom, and his high-profile marriage into the Kennedy family. Born to General Sir Sidney Turing Barlow Lawford and his wife, May (née Aylen), Lawford was educated at prestigious British schools before pursuing acting. His most significant personal relationship was his 1954 marriage to Patricia Kennedy, sister of future President John F. Kennedy, which made him a brother-in-law to one of America's most powerful political families. The couple had four children: Christopher, Sydney, Victoria, and Robin. Their divorce in 1966 was highly publicized and reportedly strained Lawford's relationships with the Kennedy family and his Rat Pack colleagues. Lawford struggled with alcoholism for much of his adult life, which contributed to his declining health and career opportunities in his later years. He married his second wife, Deborah Gould, in 1971, but they divorced in 1975. His final marriage was to Patricia Seaton in 1976, which lasted until his death from cardiac arrest on Christmas Eve 1984 at the age of 61.
Education
Educated at St. Paul's School in London and briefly attended Eton College before pursuing acting career
Family
- Patricia Kennedy (1954-1966)
- Deborah Gould (1971-1975)
- Patricia Seaton (1976-1984)
Did You Know?
- Was a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through his mother's side of the family
- His father was a decorated British war hero who served as a military attaché to the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- Was discovered by a talent scout while performing in a school play at age 14
- His role in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1945) was originally offered to another actor but Lawford got it after the original choice became unavailable
- Was the only British member of the original Rat Pack
- His friendship with Frank Sinatra ended after Sinatra blamed him for not getting John F. Kennedy to stay at Sinatra's home during a presidential visit
- Made his American film debut in 'A Yank at Eton' (1942) alongside Mickey Rooney
- Was an accomplished polo player and participated in celebrity matches throughout his life
- His son Christopher Lawford became a successful author and wrote about his family's struggles with addiction
- Appeared in over 80 films and television shows during his 46-year career
- Was a pallbearer at Robert F. Kennedy's funeral in 1968, despite his strained relationship with the family
- His final film role was in the comedy 'Where the Boys Are '84' (1984), released posthumously
In Their Own Words
I'm the only member of the Rat Pack who didn't have a hit record. I'm the one who couldn't sing.
Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.
Being a Kennedy brother-in-law was both the greatest and worst thing that ever happened to me.
The Rat Pack wasn't about drinking and womanizing, it was about friendship and making great entertainment.
I've been lucky and I've been unlucky. I've had everything and I've lost everything. That's show business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter Lawford?
Peter Lawford was a British-American actor best known for his roles in Golden Age Hollywood films and as a member of the legendary Rat Pack. He was also notable for his marriage to Patricia Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy, which made him a bridge between Hollywood and political power during the 1950s and 1960s.
What films is Peter Lawford best known for?
Lawford is best known for starring in 'Royal Wedding' (1951) opposite Fred Astaire, 'Ocean's Eleven' (1960) with the Rat Pack, 'The White Cliffs of Dover' (1944), 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1945), and 'Good News' (1947). He also starred in the television series 'The Thin Man' from 1957-1959.
When was Peter Lawford born and when did he die?
Peter Lawford was born on September 7, 1923, in London, England, and died on December 24, 1984, at the age of 61 in Los Angeles, California, from cardiac arrest.
What awards did Peter Lawford win?
Lawford won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1948, recognizing his breakthrough in Hollywood. He also received a nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for 'The Good Companions' in 1957 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Peter Lawford's acting style?
Lawford was known for his sophisticated, refined acting style that complemented his aristocratic British background. He specialized in playing charming gentlemen and romantic leads with understated elegance, dry humor, and a distinctive upper-crust accent that made him particularly effective in romantic comedies and musicals.
Was Peter Lawford really part of the Rat Pack?
Yes, Lawford was a founding member of the original Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop. He was the only British member of the group and participated in their famous performances at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and in films like 'Ocean's Eleven'.
How was Peter Lawford related to the Kennedy family?
Lawford married Patricia Kennedy, sister of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, in 1954. This marriage made him a brother-in-law to one of America's most powerful political families and gave him unprecedented access to political circles during the Kennedy administration.
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Films
1 film
