William Brian de Lacy Aherne (2 May 1902 – 10 February 1986) was an English actor of stage, screen, radio and television, who enjoyed a long and varied career in Britain and the US.

His first Broadway appearance in The Barretts of Wimpole Street in 1931 teamed him with Katherine Cornell, with whom he would appear in many later productions. In films, he played opposite Madeleine Carroll, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth and Carole Lombard, and was Oscar-nominated for his role as Emperor Maxmilian in Juarez (1939). On TV he appeared in Wagon Train and Rawhide.

Personal life and death

Between 1939 and 1945, Aherne was married to actress Joan Fontaine, which ended in divorce. He married Eleanor de Liagre Labrot in 1946, and their union lasted until his death.

Aherne published his autobiography A Proper Job in 1969, as well as A Dreadful Man (1979), a biography of his close friend George Sanders.

Aherne was a pilot and charter member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Aherne died of heart failure in Venice, Florida, USA at the age of 83. He was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1772 Vine Street