Sir Peter Ustinov

Sir Peter Ustinov was a citizen of the world and a true multi-talent.

He was an artist, an Oscar-winning actor, a writer, a director, a stage designer, a storyteller and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. But above all, he was one thing: a man who wanted to make the world a better place with creativity and joy in his heart – and who firmly believed that commitment to a good cause always pays off.

Creative jack-of-all-trades and Oscar winner

Born Peter Alexander Baron von Ustinov in London on 16 April 1921, he celebrated his stage premiere at the age of 17 with the play "The Forest Rat". After numerous theatre engagements towards the end of the 1930s, his own first play, "House of Regrets", premiered in 1942. There were further successes on stage with theatre productions such as "The Love of Four Colonels" and "Romanoff and Juliet". From the 1940s onwards, Sir Peter Ustinov also appeared regularly on the cinema screen.

He gained his first worldwide recognition as Nero in the monumental film "Quo Vadis?".

In 1961 he received his first Oscar for best supporting actor in "Spartacus".

In 1965, the second Oscar followed for his performance in the crime comedy "Topkapi".

He earned a lasting place in the world's cinematic memory as the eccentric master detective Hercule Poirot in adaptations of Agatha Christie's stories.

He also recorded albums, amused as an entertainer and impersonator, hosted TV documentaries and wrote over 30 books, including novels, short story collections, travelogues and a cookbook.

The Foundation founder is dedicated to a culture of diversity and respect

The conviction that no commitment is ever in vain was something he advocated vigorously in word and deed throughout his life. Aware of his responsibility, he always used his worldwide popularity for good causes. He helped where it was always most urgently needed: for children in need.

Cosmopolitan in thought, action and life, he was committed to a culture of diversity and mutual respect. He saw a culture that was always endangered by an insidious enemy that he had personally declared war on: prejudice. He saw enlightenment, education and promotion as the appropriate means to stand up to this adversary. Therefore, in 1999, together with his son Igor, he founded the Sir Peter Ustinov Foundation, which continues his courageous commitment to worldwide peace, democracy and equal opportunities beyond his lifetime.