John Clements

Biography

Sir John Selby Clements, CBE (April 25, 1910 – April 6, 1988), was a distinguished English actor and producer with a prolific career spanning theatre, television, and film. He received his education at St Paul's School and later at St John's College, Cambridge. Clements honed his craft under the mentorship of Nigel Playfair and spent formative years with Ben Greet's Shakespearean Company, making his stage debut in 1930.

In 1935, he established the Intimate Theatre in Palmers Green, a venue for repertory and experimental productions. Over his impressive career, Clements appeared in nearly 200 plays, taking on roles as an actor-manager-producer in various West End productions. He served as the artistic director of the Chichester Festival Theatre from 1966 to 1973, further solidifying his influence in the theatrical world.

His marriage to actress Kay Hammond brought critical acclaim, particularly for their 1945 revival of Noël Coward's "Private Lives." Clements also wrote and produced "The Happy Marriage" in 1952, showcasing his versatility. Notably, he starred as Edward Moutlon Barrett in the musical "Robert and Elizabeth," adapted from "The Barretts of Wimpole Street."

In film, Clements gained recognition for his roles in "South Riding" (1938) and "The Four Feathers" (1939), with subsequent appearances in British war films for Ealing Studios. His later career included a cameo in "Gandhi" (1982). Clements was honored with a CBE in 1956 and received a knighthood in 1968, marking his significant contributions to the arts. His stepson is actor John Standing.