English character actor Robert Morley was educated in England, Germany, France and Italy. His family planned for him to go into the diplomatic service but he liked the idea of acting more. After studying at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London he appeared on the London stage in 1929 and in 1938 he first appeared on Broadway as the lead in Ocsar Wilde. His film debut was as Louis XVI with Norma Shearer in Marie Antoinette. A regular series of supporting roles kept him occupied and he made regular appearances on TV as an exceptionally witty guest on various talk shows.


His son, Sheridan Morley, was a distinguished London Theatre critic and writer. Children with Joan Buckmaster, Sheridan Morley, Annabel Morley, Wilton Morley. When asked to give a talk at his old school, Wellington, he said the only reason he would return to the school would be to burn it down. He allegedly declined a knighthood for his services to drama.