George Humbert

George Humbert, born Umberto Gianni on July 29, 1880, was an Italian-born American actor whose career spanned stage and screen across several decades. He died on May 8, 1963.

Humbert arrived in the United States in June 1907, having traveled from Genoa, Italy aboard the Italian steamer Sannio as a steerage passenger. Upon the ship's arrival at the Port of New York, he was examined by U.S. immigration officials at Ellis Island and permitted to enter the country legally. He became a United States citizen in 1933.

His background in the performing arts began in Italy, where he had a connection to the stage through family: he was a nephew of Italian actor Ernesto Rossi. He also served as an ensign in the Royal Italian Navy. His musical abilities drew the attention of the Duke of Abruzzi, who, after hearing Humbert perform, recommended that he pursue formal training at the Florence Music Conservatory. Humbert subsequently performed in opera in Italy before joining the San Carlo Opera Company following his immigration to the United States.

Humbert appeared on Broadway between 1928 and 1929, with credits including the play Street Scene and the play Gentlemen of the Press. His screen career was extensive, encompassing more than 100 film appearances between 1918 and the 1950s. Beyond his own performing work, Humbert coached other actors in Italian mannerisms, with his students including Gloria Swanson and George Beban.