Stephen Boyd
Early Life and Education
Stephen Boyd was born on July 4, 1931, in Glengormley, Northern Ireland. He was the youngest of nine children in a working-class family. His father was a truck driver and his mother a housewife. Boyd's interest in acting began at a young age when he participated in school plays and local theater productions.
Boyd left school at the age of 14 and began working as a messenger for the Belfast Telegraph. However, his passion for acting led him to join the Ulster Group Theatre where he honed his acting skills. He later moved to London and enrolled at the RADA to further his acting studies.
Career
Boyd's acting career began in the late 1940s with minor roles in local theater productions in Belfast. His big break came in 1956 when he was cast in the film "The Man Who Never Was". His performance in this film caught the attention of Hollywood producers and he was subsequently offered a contract with 20th Century Fox.
In Hollywood, Boyd quickly rose to fame with roles in films such as "Ben-Hur" and "Fantastic Voyage". His portrayal of Messala in "Ben-Hur" earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and cemented his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Boyd worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren, and Raquel Welch. He also worked with renowned directors such as William Wyler and Richard Fleischer.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Boyd remained connected to his Irish roots. He often returned to Ireland to visit family and friends and even starred in several Irish films.
Personal Life
Boyd was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Italian actress Mariella Di Sarzana in 1958. However, the marriage was short-lived and they divorced after only a few months. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Mills, a secretary he met while filming in Spain. They remained married until his death in 1977.
Boyd was known for his love of golf and was often seen playing at the Brentwood Country Club in Los Angeles. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and was involved in several charitable organizations throughout his life.
Death and Legacy
Boyd died of a heart attack on June 2, 1977, at the age of 45. His sudden death shocked the Hollywood community and he was mourned by fans around the world.
Despite his early death, Boyd left a lasting legacy in the film industry. His performances in films such as "Ben-Hur" and "Fantastic Voyage" are still celebrated today and he is remembered as one of the leading actors of his time.