Meet the Redgrave family: inside Britain's most iconic acting dynasty spanning over 100 years

Born in 1908, Michael entered the family business in 1936 when he appeared in a production of Love's Labour Lost, playing Ferdinand. He made his West End debut the following year in a production of A Ship Comes Home, making his film debut in 1938's The Lady Vanishes. Michael, who was knighted in 1959, continued acting in both movies and theatre productions, and a major career highlight came in 1948 when he received an Oscar nomination for his role in Mourning Becomes Electra. He was also nominated for BAFTA Awards for his roles in The Night My Number Came Up and Time Without Pity, while also winning Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for The Browning Version.

In 1935, Michael married the actress Rachel Kempson, who was known for her roles in The Captive Heart and The Sea Shall Not Have Them, both of which she appeared in with her husband. The family had three children, Vanessa, Corin and Lynn, all of whom followed their parents into acting. Michael had a strained relationship with his children, but started to repair it towards the end of his life.

Speaking to Corin, who was dictating his autobiography, he confessed his bisexuality. A documentary explained that Michael initially didn't feel he should marry Rachel, but she was adamant they should wed due to her love for him. In 1976, the actor was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with doctors confirming that the illness was rapidly progressing. The actor died nine years later at the age of 77 on 21 March 1985; he had celebrated his birthday the day before his passing.

Rachel later died at the age of 92 on 24 May 2003 following a stroke.