He was born in London and commonly listed as "George Augustus Andrews." His relatives referred to him as Uncle Gus. Arliss was educated at Harrow. He started work in the publishing office of his father (William Joseph Arliss Andrews) but left at age 18 to go on the stage. He began his acting career on the stage in the British provinces in 1887. By 1900, he was playing London's West End in supporting roles. He embarked for a tour of America in 1901 in Mrs. Patrick Campbell's troupe, intending to remain in the United States only for the length of the tour. Arliss stayed for twenty years, making his Broadway debut in "Magda" (1902). He eventually became a star in 1908 in "The Devil". Producer George Tyler commissioned Louis Napoleon Parker in 1911 to write a play specifically tailored for Arliss, and the actor toured in "Disraeli" for five years, eventually becoming closely identified with the 19th century British prime minister.