Oliver Griffen Johnston (30 April 1888 – 22 December 1966) was an English actor.
Stage After training at RADA, his theatre work included the original production of The Barretts of Wimpole Street at Malvern (1930) and its subsequent West End transfer (1930–1932).
Film and television Johnston started his film career in 1938, when he was already 50 years old. Working until shortly before his death, he appeared in nearly 90 film and television productions, where he often portrayed meek or mild-mannered types in supporting roles.
Johnston had a rather unremarkable acting career in film until he was nearly 70 years, when he was discovered by Charlie Chaplin. He is perhaps best-remembered for his role in Chaplin's A King in New York (1957), where he played a large supporting role as the "faithful ambassador and solemn-serious straight man" to Chaplin's King.Kenneth Lynn: Charlie Chaplin and His Times, page 500 Afterwards he got more film offers, including the literature adaption Kidnapped (1960) and fantasy/horror pictures like The Three Lives of Thomasina (1963), The Tomb of Ligeia (1964) and It! (1967).
One of his last roles, released after his death in December 1966 at age 78, was in Chaplin's last film A Countess from Hong Kong (1967). Here Johnston portrayed an old British businessman in Hong Kong, who introduces the leading characters of Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren to each other in the opening scenes.
Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes1938 Kate Plus Ten Cunningham 1939 Stolen Life Prof. Bardesley 1953 The Good Beginning Owen Uncredited1954 Dangerous Voyage Dr. Waverley 1954 Tale of Three Women Butler (segment "Wedding Gift")1955 Room in the House 1957 The Hypnotist Doctor Kenyon 1957 You Can't Escape Meadows1957 A King in New York Ambassador Jaume 1958 Indiscreet Mr. Finleigh Uncredited1958 The Son of Robin Hood Apothecary 1958 Nowhere to Go Mr. Hopkins Uncredited1959 Beyond This Place Prusty 1959 The Night We Dropped a Clanger Air Commodore Turner 1960 A Touch of Larceny Minister 1960 Kidnapped Mr. Campbell 1960 The 3 Worlds of Gulliver Mr. Grinch Uncredited1961 Francis of Assisi Father Livoni 1961 Raising the Wind Prof. Parkin 1962 Backfire! Bernard Curzon Edgar Wallace Mysteries1963 The Fast Lady Bulmer 1963 Island of Love Prof. Krumwitz 1963 Dr. Crippen Lord Chief Justice 1963 The Three Lives of Thomasina Mr. Dobbie 1964 The Tomb of Ligeia Kenrick 1965 You Must Be Joking! Angry Tweedles Club Member Uncredited1967 A Countess from Hong Kong Clark 1967 It! Curator Trimingham (final film role)
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