Photo: 20th Century Fox, photographer not identified / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Basil Rathbone is, for me, the definitive screen Sherlock Holmes, and that's saying something given how many have tried. Born in Johannesburg and raised in England, he came up as a Shakespearean stage actor, even winning a Tony in 1948, before becoming Hollywood's go-to suave villain across more than 70 films. What I find fascinating is the range, swashbucklers, costume dramas, the occasional horror picture, all delivered with that crisp, aristocratic menace. He also earned a Military Cross in 1918, which adds real steel behind the polished voice. To me he's the template for the elegant screen antagonist that countless actors have copied since.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Basil Rathbone
- Name (Japanese)
- ベイジル・ラスボーン
- Reading
- べいじる・らすぼーん
- Born
- June 13, 1892 – July 21, 1967
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Dragon
- Origin
- Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Height
- 186 cm
- Occupation
- character actor / stage actor / film actor / television actor / actor
2. Background
Awards & achievements
- 1918 Military Cross
- 1948 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Basil Rathbone born?
June 13, 1892 – July 21, 1967.
Where is Basil Rathbone from?
Basil Rathbone is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
What does Basil Rathbone do?
Basil Rathbone works as character actor, stage actor, film actor, television actor, actor.
How tall is Basil Rathbone?
Basil Rathbone is 186 cm.
Character actor — see all → · Stage actor — see all → · More people from South Africa →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.