Stephen Greif was born on the 26th August 1944 in a nursing home in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire (originally a residence given to Anne Boleyn by Henry V111). His father was born in the Barnebitten Gasse in Vienna and later became a British citizen. His mother was born in Beaumont Square in London's East End where she later worked in Prashkes Fashion house. Her Polish father was a bespoke tailor, ...
show all Stephen Greif was born on the 26th August 1944 in a nursing home in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire (originally a residence given to Anne Boleyn by Henry V111). His father was born in the Barnebitten Gasse in Vienna and later became a British citizen. His mother was born in Beaumont Square in London's East End where she later worked in Prashkes Fashion house. Her Polish father was a bespoke tailor, her mother a Russian factory worker. Greif went to Hordle House Preparatory School in Hampshire for two years. When his father and three other partners were defrauded and as a result lost everything in a business venture in Argentina in the early 1950s, He and his brother Peter were enrolled at St James Norland Primary School in Ladbroke Grove, West London. Stephen then moved on to Sloane Grammar School in Chelsea. Here he excelled in sport, becoming the school's athletics and swimming champion, breaking numerous records and representing the school and the county in various championships at the famous White City Stadium amongst others. It was during a brief stint at the Regent Polytechnic doing commercial studies that he rekindled his love of acting (having played Captain Hook at Primary school). After a spell of working in an electronics manufacturing company in the City of London (where he nearly electrocuted himself), and a stint in the West End as a junior negotiator in an estate agency, he finally decided to become an actor. He was offered places at both RADA and LAMDA, and chose to attend the former, where he was awarded an Honours Diploma as well as receiving five other awards including the Kendal Award (Gold Medal equivalent) and two awards judged and presented by Sir John Gielgud. He has delighted in several seasons at the National Theatre in both Olivier's companies at the Old Vic and in the West End, where he won a nomination in the Critics Circle Awards for 'Saturday, Sunday, Monday', directed by Franco Zeffirelli and also on the South Bank in Peter Hall's company where he won another nomination in The Laurence Olivier Awards for 'Death of a Salesman' directed by Michael Rudman. He has recently finished a Years contract in Nicholas Hytner's inaugural season at the NT ,where he played in "His Girl Friday" directed by the Broadway veteran Jack O'Brien, "Edmond" directed by Edward Hall and Starring Kenneth Branagh and "His Dark Materials" the 2 part Xmas Show Directed by Hytner . He has also appeared in plays opposite Elaine Stritch, Denholm Elliot, Joan Plowright, Anthony Hopkins, Frank Langella and Albert Finney. He most recently appeared in the West End in "Epitaph for George Dillon" with Joseph Fiennes and directed by Peter Gill and in Bill Kenwright's smash hit 'Fallen Angels' directed by Michael Rudman, and working opposite Felicity Kendal and Frances De La Tour. Film and TV work includes appearances in many productions, ranging from "Space Race" (2005)"Holby" (2005) "Judge John Deed",(2005-6) "The Bill" and "EastEnders" to "The Lives and Loves of a She Devil, The Merchant of Venice, Richard 11 , Space Precinct and Shackleton. His recent FILMS include "Casanova" (2006)"Back in Business" (2006) "The Upside of Anger" (2005) "Spartan "(2004)and "Fakers" (2004) He is a keen golfer and is happy to play for good causes and charities.
An Associate Member of RADA.
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