Peter Lawford

Peter Sydney Ernest Lawford was a British-born actor, filmmaker, socialite, and entertainer who spent most of his adult life in the United States of America. He was a Hollywood heartthrob in the 1940s and the 1950s and later joined the famous informal group of entertainers called the Rat Pack. Born in a military family, Lawford was raised in France and did not receive a formal education. Instead, he was home-schooled by his governesses and tutors. He demonstrated a deep interest in art and literature, prompting his mother to formulate his education around that. In 1931, at the age of seven, Lawford made his acting debut in the British comedy film ‘Poor Old Bill’. He suffered a serious accident at the age of 14, which caused irreversible nerve damage in his right arm. Because of this, he could not enlist in the British military when the World War II broke out. He then decided to pursue his passion of acting. Most roles he landed in the early phase of his career were uncredited appearances but after leading men such as Clark Gable and James Stewart went to serve in the war, Lawford emerged as a new romantic lead. In 1953, he made his small-screen debut in Ronald Reagan's anthology series ‘General Electric Theater’. In 1959, Frank Sinatra invited him to join the Rat Pack. In 1963, he began his career behind the camera. Imbued with a true passion for the craft, Lawford continued to work until his death in 1984. He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his television work in 1960.