Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness Profile Photo

Characters played by Alec Guinness

Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi — Star Wars (1977)

Hermit on Tatooine, former Jedi Master guiding Luke.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (archive sound) (uncredited) — Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Archive audio of the Jedi Master

Obi-Wan Kenobi (archive voice) — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Archival voice recording of the Jedi Master.

Obi-Wan Kenobi — The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Jedi Master, mentor to Anakin and Luke, key figure in Jedi Order

Ben 'Obi-Wan' Kenobi — Return of the Jedi (1983)

Jedi Master in hiding on Tatooine

Prince Feisal — Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Arab prince leading the revolt against the Ottoman Turks. Initially skeptical of British motives, he is won over by Lawrence's knowledge and honesty. He delegates authority to Lawrence for the Aqaba campaign and eventually prioritizes British political backing over genuine Arab independence.

Col. Nicholson — The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The senior British officer among the prisoners, Nicholson resists Saito's order that officers perform manual labor and endures confinement and abuse. After release, he directs the construction of a technically sound bridge as a testament to British discipline, losing sight of its military purpose before fatally triggering its destruction.

Gen. Yevgraf Zhivago — Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Yuri's half-brother and a high-ranking Cheka officer. He investigates political cases, assists Yuri's family in escaping Moscow, and later searches for Lara's missing daughter. He suspects Tanya Komarova is the child and confirms her connection through her inherited balalaika.

George Smiley — Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)

George Smiley is a senior British intelligence officer forced into retirement after Operation Testify, then recalled by Sir Oliver Lacon to investigate a Soviet mole inside the Circus. Working secretly with Peter Guillam, he reconstructs the failed mission, identifies the traitor, and debriefs Bill Haydon.

Butler Jamesir Bensonmum — Murder by Death (1976)

Blind butler managing the mansion who is found dead early in the evening, only to reappear alive and sighted the next morning as part of Twain's elaborate scheme and final reveal.

Marcus Aurelius — The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)

The ailing, aging Roman emperor who governs with egalitarian ideals and seeks to reform the empire by granting equal rights to all subjects. Disappointed by his son Commodus's preference for rule by force, Aurelius nominates the honorable General Livius as his successor. His death by poisoning triggers the central conflict, as Commodus systematically dismantles his father's legacy of equality and mercy.

The D'Ascoyne Family: The Duke / The Banker / The Parson / The General / The Admiral / Young Ascoyne / Young Henry / Lady Agatha — Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

An aristocratic family whose inherited privilege and succession obstruct Louis's ambition for revenge and social advancement.

Career Overview

Alec Guinness has 87 screen credits in a career dating back to 1934. Their work spans 3 cinematic universes — most prominently Ealing comedies with 6 titles. Signature works include Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, The Empire Strikes Back. 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
87
Birth Date
1914-04-02
Birth Place
Marylebone, London, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 3 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q103894), public domain (CC0).