E. E. Clive

Biography

Edward Erskholme Clive, known as E. E. Clive, was a notable Welsh actor and director renowned for his extensive career on stage and in film across Britain and America. Born on 28 August 1879 in Blaenavon, Monmouthshire, Clive initially pursued a medical career, completing four years at St Bartholomew's Hospital before transitioning to acting at the age of 22. He spent a decade touring the provinces, mastering various regional dialects throughout the British Isles.

Clive relocated to the United States in 1912, where he initially performed on the Orpheum vaudeville circuit before establishing his own stock company in Boston. By the 1920s, his troupe had moved to Hollywood, where he nurtured future stars like Rosalind Russell. He also participated in several Broadway productions.

Making his film debut in 1933's The Invisible Man alongside Claude Rains, Clive quickly became recognized for his comedic portrayals of English archetypes, often taking on roles as butlers, shopkeepers, aristocrats, and other quirky characters. His memorable performances included the bumbling Burgomaster in the iconic horror film Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and various roles in the Bulldog Drummond series. He appeared in The Little Princess (1939) and in the early Sherlock Holmes films featuring Basil Rathbone. Clive's final performance was as Sir William Lucas in the 1940 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. He passed away on 6 June 1940, due to heart disease, leaving behind his wife, Eleanor, and their child. Clive was also a member of the Euclid lodge of Freemasons in Boston.