Alexander Knox
A Canadian actor whose Oscar-nominated turn as Woodrow Wilson was overshadowed by his blacklisting during the McCarthy era.
1907–1995 (age 88)·Canadian actor and writer·Birthday: January 16·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alexander Knox built a substantial career on intelligence and gravitas, qualities that earned him an Academy Award nomination for his penetrating portrayal of President Woodrow Wilson in 1944. The role won him a Golden Globe, but the acclaim was short-lived. His progressive political views and involvement with groups deemed suspicious by the House Un-American Activities Committee led to his effective blacklisting in Hollywood. Rather than fade away, Knox decamped to England, where he forged a second act as a reliable and distinguished character actor in British film and television for decades. He brought a quiet authority to roles ranging from military officers to doctors, his career a testament to resilience in the face of political persecution. While never regaining his stateside stardom, he worked steadily, leaving behind a body of work that underscores both his talent and the corrosive climate of the era that derailed him.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alexander was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alexander Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Alexander's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Died at 88
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
Key Achievements
- Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his leading role in 'Wilson' (1944).
- Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Wilson'.
- Appeared in over 100 film, television, and stage productions across a career spanning six decades.
- Successfully transitioned to a long career in British cinema and television after being blacklisted in the U.S.
Did You Know?
He was a published novelist, authoring books like 'Night of the White Bear' and 'Tombstone'.
He served in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during World War II.
One of his later notable film roles was as the prosecutor in 'The Damned' (1969), directed by Luchino Visconti.
He was married to actress Doris Nolan from 1944 until his death in 1995.
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