Alec Guinness was a British actor (1914-2000). He starred in Oliver Twist, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Bridge on the River Kwai for which he received the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama. Guinness also starred in Star Wars and adapted Joyce Carey's novel The Horse's Mouth for the screen, playing the lead role of Gully Jimson in the film. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his achievements in the performing arts.