Mervyn Johns | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | David Mervyn Johns 18 February 1899 Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales |
| Died | 6 September 1992 (aged 93) Northwood, London, England |
| Education | Llandovery College Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1923–1979 |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouses | |
| Children | Glynis Johns |
| Relatives |
|
David Mervyn Johns (18 February 1899 – 6 September 1992) was a Welsh stage, film and television actor who became a fixture of British films during the Second World War. Johns appeared extensively on screen and stage with over 100 credits between 1923 and 1979.
He made his theatrical debut while on tour of the British dominions in 1923. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art with honours in 1924, he appeared in a succession of diverse roles in the West End and Bristol. He made his screen debut with Lady in Danger in 1934 and appeared in several supporting roles in the 1930s before becoming a leading man in the 1940s and 50s. In his most critically acclaimed period, he became an indelible part of British wartime cinema with starring roles in Saloon Bar (1940), The Next of Kin (1942), Went the Day Well? (1942), The Halfway House (1944), Twilight Hour (1945), and Dead of Night (1945).
In the postwar era, Johns worked regularly as a character actor at Ealing Studios with roles in They Knew Mr. Knight (1946), The Captive Heart (1946), Captain Boycott (1947), Easy Money (1948), and Scrooge (1951). He settled into supporting roles in later years with guest appearances on televised plays and anthology series. Johns also appeared in two films alongside his daughter Glynis Johns.