Leslie Howard was born on April 3, 1893, in London, England. He began his career as a bank clerk, but his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the theater. He made his stage debut in 1917 and quickly gained recognition for his talent.
During World War I, Howard served in the British Army. He was stationed in France and saw firsthand the devastation of war. This experience would later influence his work as an actor, as he brought a sense of realism and depth to his performances.
Howard's breakthrough role came in the 1939 film Gone With the Wind, where he portrayed the character of Ashley Wilkes. The film was a massive success and catapulted Howard to fame. He went on to star in many acclaimed films from the '30s, including The Petrified Forest, Of Human Bondage, Intermezzo, and Berkeley Square.
Howard was married twice and had two children. His son Ronald followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor, best known for playing Sherlock Holmes in the '50s TV series, Sherlock Holmes.
There have been rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding Howard's death. Some believe that he was working with British or Allied Intelligence during World War II, which may have led to his untimely demise. In 1943, Howard was onboard a commercial airliner that was shot down by enemy forces. The circumstances surrounding his death remain mysterious and controversial.
Despite his tragic death, Leslie Howard's legacy as an actor and filmmaker lives on. He is remembered for his captivating performances and his commitment to his craft. Howard's influence can still be seen in the work of actors and filmmakers today, making him a true icon of the silver screen.