The Estate of Dirk Bogarde

Sir Dirk Bogarde, distinguished film actor and writer, was born Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Nivel van den Bogarde on March 28 1921 to Ulric van den Bogaerde the art editor of The Times newspaper and actress Margaret Nivel in the London suburb of Hampstead.  He was one of three children, with sister Elizabeth and younger brother Gareth.  He attended the former Allan Glen's School in Glasgow, and trained as an artist as what is now Chelsea College of Art.  His stage career was interrupted by Second world War service as an intelligence officer in Europe and the Pacific.  Stage-fright blighted his return to the theatre and he was put under contract by the Rank Organisation.