Reginald Sheffield
Actor
About Reginald Sheffield
Reginald Sheffield was a British character actor who made a notable appearance in the 1934 film 'Of Human Bondage,' one of the most significant films of the early sound era. His role, while brief, came during the golden age of Hollywood's transition to talkies and placed him alongside legendary performers Leslie Howard and Bette Davis. The film, based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel, was a critical and commercial success that helped establish Bette Davis as a major star. Sheffield's appearance in this prestigious production suggests he was likely a stage actor or theatrical performer who transitioned briefly to film during this period. His career appears to have been concentrated around this single film appearance, which was common for many character actors of the era who either preferred stage work or found limited opportunities in the rapidly evolving film industry. The fact that he was cast in such a significant production indicates he had established credentials as a performer, though his filmography remains notably brief.
The Craft
On Screen
Based on his appearance in 'Of Human Bondage,' Sheffield employed a classical stage-trained approach typical of British actors transitioning to American film in the 1930s, emphasizing proper diction and theatrical presence suited to the early sound era.
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Of Human Bondage' (1934)
- Worked during Hollywood's transition to sound era
- Performed alongside Leslie Howard and Bette Davis
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Reginald Sheffield's film career was brief, his participation in 'Of Human Bondage' places him within the historical context of early sound cinema and the adaptation of literary works to film. The movie itself was significant in establishing the psychological drama genre in Hollywood and marked a turning point in Bette Davis's career. Sheffield represents the many character actors of the era who contributed to the foundation of classic cinema, even if their names are not widely remembered today.
Lasting Legacy
Reginald Sheffield's legacy is tied to his participation in one of the most important films of 1934, a production that helped define the dramatic possibilities of early sound cinema. Like many character actors of his generation, he represents the bridge between theatrical tradition and cinematic innovation that characterized Hollywood's golden age.
Who They Inspired
As a character actor with limited film credits, Sheffield's direct influence on subsequent generations of performers is difficult to trace. However, his work in 'Of Human Bondage' contributed to the film's overall impact on the dramatic cinema landscape of the 1930s.
Off Screen
Reginald Sheffield was born in London in 1885 and maintained his British citizenship throughout his life. He was part of the generation of actors who bridged the gap between the Victorian theatrical tradition and the modern cinema era. His career appears to have been primarily focused on stage work with a brief foray into film during the early sound period. He passed away in 1956 at the age of 70, having witnessed the complete transformation of the entertainment industry from stage dominance to the golden age of Hollywood cinema.
Education
Likely received classical theatrical training typical of British actors of his generation
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Of Human Bondage' during the same year that Bette Davis's career breakthrough occurred
- His entire known film career consists of a single year, 1934
- Worked during the challenging transition period from silent to sound films
- Was part of the British contingent of actors who found work in early Hollywood talkies
- His film was directed by John Cromwell, a prominent director of the 1930s
- The novel 'Of Human Bondage' had been adapted to film once before in 1926 as a silent film
- His appearance came during the pre-Code era of Hollywood filmmaking
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Reginald Sheffield?
Reginald Sheffield was a British actor best known for his appearance in the 1934 film 'Of Human Bondage.' His career appears to have been brief, with this film being his most notable or possibly only significant screen credit during the golden age of Hollywood.
What films is Reginald Sheffield best known for?
Reginald Sheffield is primarily known for his role in 'Of Human Bondage' (1934), starring Leslie Howard and Bette Davis. This film adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's novel was a significant production of its time.
When was Reginald Sheffield born and when did he die?
Reginald Sheffield was born on December 18, 1885, in London, England, and passed away on February 8, 1956, at the age of 70.
What awards did Reginald Sheffield win?
There are no recorded awards or nominations for Reginald Sheffield, which was common for character actors with limited film credits during the early sound era.
What was Reginald Sheffield's acting style?
Sheffield likely employed a classical, stage-trained acting style typical of British actors working in early Hollywood talkies, emphasizing proper diction and theatrical presence suited to the technical limitations of early sound recording.
Did Reginald Sheffield appear in other films besides 'Of Human Bondage'?
While 'Of Human Bondage' (1934) is his most documented credit, Sheffield may have had other uncredited or minor roles, but his filmography appears to be primarily concentrated around this single year of activity.
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Films
1 film
