Peter ustinov bach biography

Oscar-winning actor Sir Peter Ustinov has died aged 82. BBC News Online looks back at his career.

Despite a successful career as journalist, actor, playwright and author, Sir Peter Ustinov was at his best telling his own stories, and revelled in the role of raconteur.

"On no account is this man to be put in charge of others." This was how Private Ustinov was described in his Army report after four and a half years in uniform.

In fact, the young soldier already had a play being staged in the West End, and went on to enjoy a hugely versatile career, spanning many areas of show business and lasting more than six decades.

Schubert biography

Peter Ustinov was born in London two months after his mother arrived from St Petersburg to join her husband, a journalist. Made of European stock, young Ustinov nevertheless enjoyed a very English education.

He once said: "It's very difficult for me to feel British."

And on another occasion he observed