David Niven

David Niven Profile Photo

Characters played by David Niven

Sir Charles Lytton — The Pink Panther (1963)

Alias for Sir Charles Litton, sophisticated international thief.

Colonel Race — Death on the Nile (1978)

British intelligence officer and Poirot's acquaintance

James Bond — Casino Royale (1967)

Retired British spy brought back by M to combat SMERSH. After M's death, he becomes head of MI6 and implements a scheme to codename all agents James Bond 007 to confuse enemies. He recruits agents, orchestrates the baccarat strategy against Le Chiffre, rescues his estranged daughter Mata and agent Cooper, and ultimately survives the Casino Royale explosion.

Chief Insp. Cyril Willis — Rough Cut (1980)

A veteran Scotland Yard detective determined to catch Jack Rhodes before retirement. He manipulates Gillian to bait Jack into stealing diamonds, fakes a plane diversion with worthless quartz to cover his operations, and ultimately reveals he has been working with Jack all along.

Sir Charles Litton — Trail of the Pink Panther (1982)

Charming former jewel thief and rival of Clouseau, later married to Simone.

Sir Charles Litton — Curse of the Pink Panther (1983)

Elegant gentleman thief known as the Phantom, master of disguise and jewel heists.

Cpl. John Anthony Miller — The Guns of Navarone (1961)

Expert explosives chemist and loyal companion to Mallory

Henry Brougham — The Bishop's Wife (1947)

A bishop obsessed with raising funds for a new cathedral, neglecting his family and spiritual duties. Initially resistant to a wealthy donor's conditions, he learns to prioritize his family and spiritual guidance over material projects. He ultimately realizes his prayer was answered through personal growth.

Edgar Linton — Wuthering Heights (1939)

A wealthy, refined neighbor who falls in love with Cathy. He proposes after she recovers from a dog bite at his estate, takes her to Wuthering Heights, and eventually marries her. He is Isabella's older brother and represents the civilized, upper-class life Cathy briefly embraces before her emotional turmoil returns her to Heathcliff.

Peter Carter — A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Royal Air Force pilot who survives a fatal crash due to fog, falls in love with radio operator June, and successfully appeals for his life in a celestial court to remain on Earth.

Gerald Hardcastle — Prudence and the Pill (1968)

A wealthy London banker in a cold marriage who maintains a secret affair with Elizabeth. He attempts to expose Prudence's infidelity by swapping her birth control pills with aspirin. His schemes backfire, and he ultimately grants a divorce after learning he will become a father to Elizabeth's child.

Lieut. McCool — The Real Glory (1939)

One of the officers sent to Fort Mysang to train the native Philippine Constabulary, McCool serves alongside Canavan, Hartley, and Larsen during the defense of the village. He is disappointed when Linda Hartley and Canavan fall in love, and he is ultimately killed while leading the village's defense against Alipang's attacking men.

Career Overview

David Niven has 129 screen credits in a career dating back to 1932. Their work spans 10 cinematic universes — most prominently Pink Panther with 3 titles. Signature works include The Pink Panther, Curse of the Pink Panther, Trail of the Pink Panther. 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
129
Birth Date
1910-03-01
Birth Place
London, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 10 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q181917), public domain (CC0).