Blue Plaque Unveiled to Honor Hollywood Star Ray Milland in Neath Port Talbot
A new Blue Plaque has been installed on Dalton Road in Neath Port Talbot, marking the house where celebrated actor Ray Milland lived from the age of four. This permanent tribute recognizes his remarkable career spanning over 50 years, during which he became the highest-paid star at Paramount Pictures and achieved numerous accolades.
Significant Timing for a Local Legend
The unveiling event is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of Ray Milland becoming the first Welsh actor to win an Oscar. In 1946, a standout year for the star, he also secured top acting honors at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globes, solidifying his status in Hollywood history.
Jonathan Davies, Chair of the Neath Antiquarian Society, praised Milland's incredible versatility across film, theatre, and television. "From romantic leads to comedy, horror, Broadway Theatre, and his own TV shows, I don’t think there are many other careers in Hollywood that have been as varied or lasted as long," Jonathan remarked. He highlighted that over more than five decades, Milland "won everything; Oscar, Grammy, Cannes Film Festival, the lot."
Community and Council Collaboration
The successful nomination for the plaque was led by the Neath Antiquarian Society through the council’s official heritage scheme. Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, attended the unveiling to celebrate the local cultural history. "This blue plaque celebrates yet another figure from the incredible cultural legacy that we have across the whole of Neath Port Talbot," Councillor Phillips said.
The installation is part of a broader council strategy to restore and regenerate the heritage of the local area through to 2039. This project receives support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to help tell the unique stories of the people who shaped the community.
Opportunities for Future Tributes
For those inspired by this tribute, the 2026 funding window for new Blue Plaque nominations will be open from 1st April until 30th September. Community groups, businesses, or individuals can also apply to self-fund a plaque to honor other notable local figures. All nominations are reviewed by the Heritage NPT Team’s selection panel before a final decision is made by council cabinet members.
Visitors can now walk past the Dalton Road home to see the permanent reminder of Neath’s very own Hollywood royalty, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
