Robert Donat was a British actor born on March 18, 1905, in Manchester, England. He gained fame in the 1930s for his performances in films such as The 39 Steps and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. His acting style was characterized by a natural charm and emotional depth, which resonated with audiences. Donat's career was marked by both stage and screen performances, and he received critical acclaim for his work. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1939 for his role in Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Despite his success, he faced health issues that affected his career, leading to a more limited output in later years.