Sir Ben Kingsley is 75
Monday, December 31, 2018 at 11:17AM by Nathaniel R
A happy ¾th century mark to Sir Ben Kingsley today. Born Krishna Pandit Bhanji he came to global fame in 1982 for his starring role in Gandhi (Oscar, Globe, BAFTA, NYFCC, LAFCA, NBR wins). Before that breakthrough he'd appeared in several British TV shows and television movies. Other key triumphs from his filmography include: Bugsy (Oscar & Globe noms), Schindler's List (BAFTA nom), Sexy Beast (Oscar, Globe, & SAG noms, EFA & Critics Choice Awards), House of Sand and Fog (Oscar, Globe, Spirit & SAG noms), Hugo, Shutter Island, and Iron Man 3 as well as very fine voice work in The Boxtrolls (Annie Award), The Jungle Book, and Noah.
What's your fav performance from Sir Ben? I think I love him most in Sexy Beast, Gandhi, and the underappreciated Elegy.
Reader Comments (25)
He's the most successful Asian actor with the Academy.
1. Schindlers List
2. Sexy Beast
3. Gandhi
4. The Sopranos (that cameo kills me!)
Elegy absolutely should not have worked, but Kinglsey made it work with his carnality. It's the same for Sexy Beast. It shouldn't have worked, but he pulled off the brutality and vulgarity.
Always a fan.
My favorite Best Actor win of all time (and yes, I've seen them all). I'd love to see another iconic performance from him - he definitely has the chops to give us another.
I'm in agreement with Ben (and you, Nathaniel) - Elegy and Sexy Beast.
Should've been nominated for Elegy.
Was gonna say that ^^^
Elegy is great work but the film was underseen,House of Sand and Fog was misunderstood 15 yrs ago but works better in today's world climate,love Connelly in it too and Sexy Beast is his best,never cared for Gandhi but he's good in it.
Truly one of the greats,
Loved him in House of Sand and Fog (Connelly was terrific, too).
I was also shocked he got so little awards traction for Schindler's List - he was the soul and heart of the movie and deserved Oscar nod.
I actually think his Oscar should've arrived for HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG.
His title role in The King and I opposite Queen Julie Andrews at the Hollywood Bowl in 1993.
House of sand and fog
Sexy Beast
Schindler' s List
Still my pick for Best Actor for House of Sand and Fog.
I agree that his performance in "Schindler's List" should have received a Best Supporting Actor nomination (though I don't know who I would have left off to allow it). My favorite performance, however, is his (spoiler alert) beer-addled actor in "Iron Man 3". He seemed to be having so much fun acting (so to speak) against type.
I think he's best in Gandhi and House of Sand and Fog, but I've been thinking a lot about his character in Dave recently. (Maybe it's just wishful thinking that our current political climate can have the Capra-esque ending that Dave has.)
Happy 75th birthdya to Sir Ben!
I too think he's excellent in Gandhi, Sexy Beast and Elegy. I also quite like him in Hugo - but then I like that film a lot in general.
HOSAF resonates more today after a recent watch Connelly really pops in it.So subtle.
My favourite is also “Sexy Beast”.
I also like “Turtle Diary”, a romance (!) with the wonderful Glenda Jackson, and “Pascali’s Island” with Helen Mirren and Charles Dance.
I've loved him The Sopranos! KILLER performance.
My vote goes for his voice work in The Boxtrolls. Sheer genius.
1. Sexy Beast
2. Schindler's List
3. Iron Man 3
He was absolutely terrifying in Sexy Beast; that's my vote.
I remember being baffled at the time that Connelly was snubbed by The Globes, SAG, and The Oscars for House of Sand and Fog. I was so moved by her performance.
Not that it's his greatest performance or anything, but I love him in Sneakers. He plays (read: sends) up his sinister persona and I think it's an under-rated and hilarious performance.
As for greatest performance, I'd have to go with Gandhi. I have not seen Sexy Beast, yet.
Surprised about the love for "Elegy" here - which I loved ! Remember I was very taken by "Death & Maiden" when it came out - but I've never seen it again ... worth rewatching ?
So fascinating in Gandhi & Schindlers - and somehow pleasantly wacky in some strange B-Movies I came across...