Basil Rathbone was a British actor born on June 13, 1892, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in a series of films during the 1930s and 1940s. Rathbone's performance established him as the definitive Holmes for many fans, and he became synonymous with the character. In addition to his work as Holmes, Rathbone had a successful career in theater and film, appearing in various genres, including horror and drama. He received two Academy Awards for his performances and continued acting until his retirement in the 1960s. Rathbone passed away on July 21, 1967.