actor noted for his portrayal of historic personages in many motion pictures.

Arliss began his acting career in 1887 but did not have his first substantial success until he appeared with Mrs. Patrick Campbell in London during the 1900–01 season. In 1902 he played in The Second Mrs. Tanqueray in New York City and in 1911 played the title role in Disraeli.

Arliss was already established as a leading actor when he turned to films in 1920. His pictures included The Green Goddess (1930), Old English (1930), Alexander Hamilton (1931), The House of Rothschild (1934), and Cardinal Richelieu (1935). He won an Oscar for best actor of 1929–30 for his role in the film version of Disraeli. Arliss wrote several plays and two autobiographical works: Up the Years from Bloomsbury (1927) and My Ten Years in the Studios (1940).