**Sir Alec Guinness (1914-2000)** was one of the most celebrated British actors, renowned for his extraordinary versatility and his ability to transform into a myriad of characters.

His vast and varied film career includes memorable roles in both comedic and dramatic productions. He shone in Ealing comedies, such as *Kind Hearts and Coronets* (1949), where he famously played eight different characters, and *The Ladykillers* (1955). International recognition came with an Academy Award for Best Actor for his intense portrayal of Colonel Nicholson in *The Bridge on the River Kwai* (1957).

Other notable performances include Faisal in *Lawrence of Arabia* (1962) and Yevgraf in *Doctor Zhivago* (1965). To a generation, he is universally recognized as the wise Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original *Star Wars* trilogy (starting in 1977).

His style was characterized by a subtle intensity, dignity, and mastery of the most diverse roles, making him a true chameleon of British and world cinema.