Peter Alexander Ustinov

Peter Alexander Ustinov was born in London to Iona Ustinov, a British journalist of Russian descent, and his wife Nadia Benois. Ustinov educated at Westminster School and London Theatre School, and acted in his first film, The Goose Steps Out, in 1942. From 1942 to 1946 he served in the British Army.

He has made more than 50 films in Rome, London and Hollywood. He is a playwright of some merit, as highly appreciated in New York City as in London. His first book, Add a Dash of Pity, short stories, appeared in 1960. His best known book is Krumnagel, bout an American who "happens" to shoot his conversation partner in a London restaurant. His other writings include an autobiography, Dear Me, and his historical work My Russia. With his wife, Hélène, Lady Ustinov, he has three daughters and a son. His orders include Commander of the British Empire, 1975, London; Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, Paris; Order of Istigial, Jordan, and Académie des Beaux Arts, Paris. He also hold honorary degrees from several universities. Since 1969 he has been UNICEF Ambassador at Large

He excels in witty characteristics - like his description of a Wagner evening. Ustinov was knighted by Her Majesty Elizabeth II in 1990.