10 fun and interesting Ben Kingsley facts

1. His Real Name is Krishna Pandit Bhanji

Ben Kingsley is an acclaimed actor who has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for his role in the 1982 film Gandhi. However, few people know that his real name is Krishna Pandit Bhanji. He changed his name when he began his acting career, taking the name of his father's stage name, "King Claudio" and his own middle name, "Kingsley". This decision has certainly paid off, as Ben Kingsley has gone on to become one of the most respected and successful actors of his generation.

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2. Ben Kingsley's Debut on the London Stage

In 1966, Ben Kingsley made his debut on the London stage as the narrator for the production of "A Smashing Day". This production was produced by none other than Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles - a band that Kingsley was a huge fan of. It was a momentous occasion for Kingsley, as it marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the performing arts.

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3. Acclaimed Actor, Remarkable Feat

Ben Kingsley is a renowned actor who has achieved a remarkable feat in the film industry. He is one of only six actors of Asian descent to have ever been nominated for an Academy Award, a testament to his immense talent and dedication to his craft. His nomination for the 1982 film Gandhi was particularly noteworthy, as it was the first time an actor of Asian descent had been nominated for an Oscar. Kingsley's success has paved the way for other Asian actors to follow in his footsteps and make their mark in Hollywood.

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4. Ben Kingsley Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2010, Ben Kingsley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his place in the entertainment industry. The star, located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Kingsley's family, friends, and colleagues. Kingsley's star is the 2,436th star to be placed on the Walk of Fame, and is a testament to his long and successful career in film and television.

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5. Voice of Gandhi

In 1985, Ben Kingsley won a Grammy Award for the "spoken word" for his reading of “The Words of Gandhi”. This was a momentous achievement for the actor, who was already well-known for his roles in films such as Gandhi, Schindler's List, and Sexy Beast. Kingsley's powerful and emotive reading of the words of the iconic leader of India's independence movement was a fitting tribute to the man who had inspired him to pursue a career in acting.

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6. Ben Kingsley Wins Academy Award for Best Actor

Ben Kingsley is best known for his iconic role as Gandhi in the 1982 movie of the same name. When he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance, he famously quipped, "If I knew I was going to win, I would not have gone dressed as a waiter”. His portrayal of the iconic leader was widely praised, and his win was seen as a well-deserved recognition of his talent.

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7. Ben Kingsley's Manchester Grammar School Roots Help Shape His Success

As a young man, Ben Kingsley attended Manchester Grammar School, a prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom. During his time there, he was exposed to a rigorous academic curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, which helped to shape his future success. Kingsley has since gone on to become an Academy Award-winning actor, with notable roles in films such as Gandhi, Schindler's List, and Sexy Beast. His time at Manchester Grammar School no doubt played a role in his success, providing him with the foundation to pursue his dreams.

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8. Ben Kingsley Weds Fourth Wife Daniela Lavender

Ben Kingsley has had a tumultuous romantic life, having been married four times throughout his life. His first three marriages ended in divorce, but he has since found lasting love with his fourth wife, Daniela Lavender. The couple tied the knot in 2007 and have been happily married ever since.

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9. Famous Actor with Four Children

Ben Kingsley is a renowned actor who has been married four times, resulting in him becoming the father of four children. His impressive career has spanned over five decades, with notable roles in films such as Gandhi, Schindler's List, and Sexy Beast. His four marriages have been to Angela Morant, Alison Sutcliffe, Alexandra Christmann, and Daniela Lavender, and his four children are Thomas, Jasmin, Ferdinand, and Edmund.

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10. London's Favorite Actor

Despite his fame as a Hollywood actor, Ben Kingsley has chosen to remain in England, his home country. He currently resides in London, where he has lived for many years, and has no plans to move away from the city anytime soon. Kingsley has starred in a number of iconic films, including Gandhi, Schindler's List, and Sexy Beast, and has won numerous awards for his performances, including an Academy Award, four BAFTA Awards, and a Golden Globe.