Peter Ustinov

Peter Ustinov Profile Photo

Characters played by Peter Ustinov

Lentulus Batiatus — Spartacus (1960)

The manager of a gladiatorial school in Capua who recognizes Spartacus' potential and purchases him. He sells Varinia to Crassus and flees when his slaves revolt. Later, he is bribed by Gracchus to rescue and smuggle Spartacus' widow and son out of Rome to safety.

Prince John - A Lion / King Richard — Robin Hood (1973)

The rightful ruler who returns from the Crusades near the end of the story. He pardons Robin Hood, forgives the villagers' taxes, and imprisons Prince John, Sir Hiss, and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Hercule Poirot — Death on the Nile (1978)

Belgian detective solving a murder on a Nile cruise

Old Man — Logan's Run (1976)

Elderly leader of the Sanctuary community guiding the protagonists

Herod the Great — Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

King who orders the massacre of innocents upon hearing of Jesus' birth.

Hercule Poirot — Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Brilliant Belgian detective whose methodical investigations uncover hidden motives and killers.

Frederick — Luther (2003)

Prince-elector of Saxony who serves as Martin Luther's primary protector. He shields Luther from papal authorities, arranges his trial at the Diet of Worms, and secretly moves him to Wartburg Castle for safety.

Grandad — The Bachelor (1999)

Grandad is Jimmie's deceased grandfather, whose will drives the entire conflict. He leaves Jimmie the family business, worth $100 million, only if Jimmie marries by 6:05 p.m. on his thirtieth birthday, remains with his bride under strict conditions, and attempts to have a child during the first five years.

Hercule Poirot — Thirteen at Dinner (1985)

A meticulous Belgian detective renowned for his sharp reasoning, distinctive habits, and ability to uncover hidden motives. He investigates complex crimes and pursues the truth through careful observation and questioning.

Hercule Poirot — Appointment with Death (1988)

Central detective figure across the series. Solves complex murders on the Nile, an Adriatic island, and in Jerusalem. Known for deductive reasoning, methodical investigation, and exposing alibi tricks. Frequently partners with Captain Hastings or local authorities to unravel clues left by cunning murderers.

Jules — We're No Angels (1955)

A convicted murderer in the escaping trio who assists in running the store and participating in the Christmas preparations. He shares the group's moral awakening and ultimately joins Joseph and Albert in deciding to return to custody.

Nero — Quo Vadis (1951)

Nero is the emperor whose atrocities and irrational behavior drive the central conflict. He burns Rome and blames the Christians, condemns them to the arena, rejects the crowd's demand to spare Lygia and Marcus, and finally kills Poppaea before taking his own life with help from Acte during the revolt.

Career Overview

Peter Ustinov has 177 screen credits in a career dating back to 1940. Their work spans 6 cinematic universes — most prominently Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) Collection with 6 titles. Signature works include Death on the Nile, Evil Under the Sun, Spartacus. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
177
Birth Date
1921-04-16
Birth Place
Camden, London, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 6 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q55796), public domain (CC0).