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The son of British stage star Henry Ainley, Richard Ainley made his own theatrical debut in 1928. At first he billed himself as Richard Riddle, presumably to avoid accusations of nepotism. He made his first film appearance in 1936, playing Sylvius in Paul Czinner's production of As You Like It (his father also appeared in the film as the Grand Duke). Signed to a Hollywood contract by Warner Bros. in 1940, he spent most of the war years playing stereotypical "Brits," usually gentlemen of leisure. Richard Ainley ended his movie career in 1949 to concentrate on his stage work.