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Insight Horizon Media

Hugh Griffith

Author

Gabriel Cooper

Updated on March 13, 2026

Birth Name: Hugh Emrys Griffith

Date of Birth: 30 May, 1912

Place of Birth: Anglesey, Anglesey, Wales

Date of Death: 14 May, 1980

Place of Death: London, England, U.K.

Ethnicity: Welsh

Hugh Griffith was a Welsh actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Ben-Hur (1959). His other roles include the films Exodus, Mutiny on the Bounty (1962), Tom Jones (1963), How to Steal a Million, Oliver! (1968), The Abominable Dr. Phibes, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?, and Dr. Phibes Rises Again!

He was the son of Mary and William Griffith. His sister was actress and teacher Elen Roger Jones. He was married to (Adelgunde) Margaret Beatrice von Dechend, until his death.

Hugh’s paternal grandfather was Hugh Griffith (the son of Hugh Griffith and Elizabeth Williams). Hugh’s grandfather Hugh was born in Holyhead, Anglesey.

Hugh’s paternal grandmother was named Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born in Holyhead, Anglesey.

Hugh’s maternal grandfather was Griffith John Williams (the son of Griffith Williams and Ann/Anne Roberts). Ann was the daughter of Hugh Roberts and Margaret Owen.

Hugh’s maternal grandmother was named Ellen.