Leslie Howard was an accomplished British actor, director, and producer, born on April 3, 1893, in London, England. He rose to prominence during the early 20th century and became one of the most recognized and respected actors of his time.

Howard's career encompassed both stage and screen. He gained critical acclaim for his stage performances, particularly in the works of George Bernard Shaw. However, he achieved widespread fame through his roles in numerous successful films. Some of his notable movies include "Gone with the Wind," where he portrayed the character of Ashley Wilkes, and "Pygmalion," in which he starred as Professor Henry Higgins.

Apart from acting, Howard also ventured into directing and producing. He co-directed and co-produced the film "Pimpernel Smith" in 1941, which showcased his versatility as a filmmaker. Additionally, he actively supported the British war effort during World War II, using his influence to promote anti-Nazi propaganda.

Tragically, Leslie Howard's life was cut short during the war. On June 1, 1943, while traveling from Lisbon to London aboard a civilian flight, the plane was shot down by German forces over the Bay of Biscay. The exact circumstances of the attack remain a subject of speculation. Howard's untimely death at the age of 50 was a tremendous loss to the world of theater and film, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of Britain's finest actors. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.