Worked as a carpenter at the Q Theater in the suburbs of London at age 14; graduated to scene painting and designing and eventually to stage managing

Began acting career with Amersham Repertory Company; made stage debut in "When We Are Married" replacing an actor who fell ill

Film debut (as an extra) in "Come On George"

Enlisted in British Army; took part in the Normandy Landings

After war, sent to Burma and Java; wrote for army newspaper and Radio Batavia programs

Received first major notice as Cliff in stage play "Power Without Glory"

Film acting debut in "Esther Waters"

Britain's most popular leading man, appearing mostly in fluff (i.e., Rank's "Doctor in the House" series directed by Ralph Thomas)

Appeared in memorable role as closeted homosexual barrister married to Sylvia Sims in Basil Dearden's ground-breaking "Victim"

Deliviered an award-winning performance in Joseph Losey's "The Servent"

TV acting debut, "Little Moon of Alban" (NBC)

Starred opposite Julie Christie in John Schlesinger's "Darling"

Gave what many consider his finest performance as Gustave von Aschenbach in Luchino Visconti's film of Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice"

Moved to South of France and made a remarkable home out of a converted shepherd's cottage; appearances in film became less frequent

Played Lt General Frederick Browning in Richard Attenborough's all-star "A Bridge Too Far"

Starred in Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "Despair"

Portrayed Roald Dahl in the CBS TV-movie "Act of Love: The Patricia Neal Story"

Served on Cannes Film Festival Jury

Returned to England after living in the south of France

Returned to screen in Bertrand Tavernier's "Daddy Nostalgia"; final film

Received knighthood

Suffered a stroke in October; became a virtual recluse

Resurfaced in the news when it became public he had adopted a "living will"