Quayle trained for the theater at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, meanwhile debuting onstage at age 18. In 1932 he joined the Old Vic company, and four years later he debuted on Broadway. After World War II service with the Royal Artillery he frequently directed plays, and from 1948-56 he managed the Shakespeare Memorial Theater Company of Stratford-on-Avon. On the basis of a few small screen roles, his film career took off in the mid '50s; he generally appeared in supporting roles but also had a few leads. For his portrayal of Cardinal Wolsey in Anne of the Thousand Days (1969) Quayle received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. He also did much work on TV. He was the author of two novels, Eight Hours from England and On Such a Night. In 1985 he was knighted. He was married to actress Dorothy Hyson.