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{{Short description|English comedian and actor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox comedian
{{Infobox comedian
| name        = Arthur Askey
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE|size=100%}}
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE|size=100%}}
| image      = Arthur Askey.jpg
| image      = Arthur Askey.jpg
| caption    =
| caption    =
| birth_name  =  
| birth_name  = Arthur Bowden Askey
| birth_date  = {{birth date|1900|6|6|df=y}}
| birth_date  = {{birth date|1900|06|06|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[w:Dingle, Liverpool|Dingle]], [[w:Lancashire|Lancashire]], England
| birth_place = [[Dingle, Liverpool|Dingle]], [[Lancashire]], England
| death_date  = {{death date and age|1982|11|16|1900|6|6|df=y}}
| death_date  = {{death date and age|1982|11|16|1900|06|06|df=y}}
| death_place = [[w:St Thomas's Hospital|St Thomas's Hospital]], [[w:London|London]], England
| death_place = [[St Thomas's Hospital]], [[London]], England
| resting_place = [[w:Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium]] [[w:Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], London, England
| resting_place = [[Putney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium]] [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], London, England
| genre      = [[w:Stand-up|Stand-up]], comedic acting
| genre      = [[Stand-up]], comedic acting
| spouse      = Elizabeth May Swash (m.1925–1974, her death)
| spouse      = Elizabeth May Swash (m.1925–1974, her death)
| children    = [[w:Anthea Askey|Anthea Askey]]
| children    = [[Anthea Askey]]
| parents    = Samuel Askey <br /> Betsy Bowden
| parents    = Samuel Askey <br /> Betsy Bowden
| website    =
| website    =
}}
}}


'''Arthur Bowden Askey''', {{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE}} (6 June 1900{{snd}}16 November 1982) was an English [[w:comedian|comedian]] and actor. Askey was known for his short stature (5'&nbsp;2", 1.58&nbsp;m) and distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, and his playful humour incorporating improvisation and [[w:catchphrase|catchphrase]]s including "Hello playmates!", "I thank you" (pronounced "Ay-thang-yaw") and "Before your very eyes".
'''Arthur Bowden Askey''', {{post-nominals|country=GBR|CBE}} (6 June 1900{{snd}}16 November 1982) was an English [[comedian|comedian]] and actor. Askey was known for his short stature (5'&nbsp;2", 1.58&nbsp;m) and distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, and his playful humour incorporating improvisation and [[catchphrase]]s including "Hello playmates!", "I thank you" (pronounced "Ay-thang-yaw") and "Before your very eyes".


Askey achieved prominence in the 1930s in the [[w:BBC|BBC]]'s first radio comedy series ''[[Band Waggon]]'' and subsequently starred in several [[w:Gainsborough Pictures|Gainsborough Pictures]] comedy films during the [[w:Second World War|Second World War]] including ''[[w:Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt|Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]'' (1940) and ''[[w:The Ghost Train (1941 film)|The Ghost Train]]'' (1941). His [[w:Novelty song|novelty]] recordings for [[w:His Master's Voice|His Master's Voice]] include "The Bee Song" (1938), a lasting part of his act. From the 1950s, Askey was a prominent television presence and made regular appearances on the BBC's long-running [[w:music hall|music hall]] programme ''[[w:The Good Old Days (UK TV series)|The Good Old Days]]''. Askey was made an [[w:Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|OBE]] in 1969 and a [[w:Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|CBE]] in 1981; he continued to appear frequently on television, radio and the stage until his death in 1982.
Askey achieved prominence in the 1930s in the [[BBC|BBC]]'s first radio comedy series ''[[Band Waggon]]'' and subsequently starred in several [[Gainsborough Pictures|Gainsborough Pictures]] comedy films during the [[Second World War|Second World War]] including ''[[Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt|Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]'' (1940) and ''[[The Ghost Train (1941 film)|The Ghost Train]]'' (1941). His [[Novelty song|novelty]] recordings for [[His Master's Voice|His Master's Voice]] include "The Bee Song" (1938), a lasting part of his act. From the 1950s, Askey was a prominent television presence and made regular appearances on the BBC's long-running [[music hall|music hall]] programme ''[[The Good Old Days (UK TV series)|The Good Old Days]]''. Askey was made an [[Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|OBE]] in 1969 and a [[Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire|CBE]] in 1981; he continued to appear frequently on television, radio and the stage until his death in 1982.


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Askey was born at 29 Moses Street, [[Dingle, Liverpool|Dingle]], [[Liverpool]], the eldest child and only son of Betsy (née Bowden, d. 1949), originally from [[Knutsford]], [[Cheshire]] and Samuel Askey (d. 1958), company secretary of Sugar Products of Liverpool. Six months after his birth, the family moved to 90 Rosslyn Street, Liverpool. It was here that a sister, Irene Dorothy, was born. Askey was educated at St. Michael's Council School (1905–11) and the [[Liverpool Institute High School for Boys|Liverpool Institute for Boys]] (1911–16).<ref>Arthur Askey, ''Before Your Very Eyes'' (London: The Woburn Press, 1975), p. 22. {{ISBN|9780713001341}}</ref>
Askey was born at 29 Moses Street, [[Dingle, Liverpool|Dingle]], [[Liverpool|Liverpool]] the eldest child and only son of Betsy (née Bowden, d. 1949), originally from [[Knutsford|Knutsford]], [[Cheshire|Cheshire]] and Samuel Askey (d. 1958), company secretary of Sugar Products of Liverpool. Six months after his birth, the family moved to 90 Rosslyn Street, Liverpool. It was here that a sister, Irene Dorothy, was born. Askey was educated at St. Michael's Council School (1905–11) and the [[Liverpool Institute High School for Boys|Liverpool Institute for Boys]] (1911–16).<ref>Arthur Askey, ''Before Your Very Eyes'' (London: The Woburn Press, 1975), p. 22. {{ISBN|9780713001341}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Askey served in the [[Royal Welsh Fusiliers]] in the [[First World War]] and performed in army entertainments. This would prove an excellent training ground for his career in show business. After working as a clerk for [[Liverpool Corporation]]'s Education Department, he was in a touring [[Concert party (entertainment)|concert party]], the [[music hall]]s and was in the stage company of [[Powis Pinder]] on the [[Isle of Wight]] in the early 1930s before he rose to stardom in 1938 through his role in the first regular radio comedy series, ''[[Band Waggon]]'' on the [[BBC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/duettists/3584197111/|title=Sunshine Concert Party, Shanklin|date=1 June 2009|access-date=24 July 2020|website=Flickr.com}}</ref> ''Band Waggon'' began as a variety show, but had been unsuccessful until Askey and his partner, [[Richard Murdoch]], took on a larger role in the writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishcomedy.org.uk/comedy/bandwagon.htm |title=Bandwaggon |website=Britishcomedy.org.uk |access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
Askey served in the [[Royal Welsh Fusiliers|Royal Welsh Fusiliers]] in the [[First World War|First World War]] and performed in army entertainments. This would prove an excellent training ground for his career in show business. After working as a clerk for [[Liverpool Corporation|Liverpool Corporation]]'s Education Department, he was in a touring [[Concert party (entertainment)|concert party]], the [[music hall|music hall]]s and was in the stage company of [[Powis Pinder|Powis Pinder]] on the [[Isle of Wight|Isle of Wight]] in the early 1930s before he rose to stardom in 1938 through his role in the first regular radio comedy series, ''[[Band Waggon]]'' on the [[BBC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/duettists/3584197111/|title=Sunshine Concert Party, Shanklin|date=1 June 2009|access-date=24 July 2020|website=Flickr.com}}</ref> ''Band Waggon'' began as a variety show, but had been unsuccessful until Askey and his partner, [[Richard Murdoch]], took on a larger role in the writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishcomedy.org.uk/comedy/bandwagon.htm |title=Bandwaggon |website=Britishcomedy.org.uk |access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>


===Film roles===
===Film roles===
During the [[Second World War]] Askey starred in several [[Gainsborough Pictures]] comedy films, including ''[[Band Waggon (film)|Band Waggon]]'' (1940), based on the radio show; ''[[Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]'' (1940); ''[[The Ghost Train (1941 film)|The Ghost Train]]'' (1941); ''[[I Thank You (film)|I Thank You]]'' (1941); ''[[Back-Room Boy]]'' (1942);<ref>Murphy, 2005, p. 271</ref> ''[[King Arthur Was a Gentleman]]'' (1942); ''[[Miss London Ltd.]]'' (1943); ''[[Bees in Paradise]]'' (1944); ''[[The Love Match]]'' (1955) and ''[[Make Mine a Million]]'' (1959). His last film was ''[[Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse]]'' (1978), starring [[Debbie Ash]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0039450/|title=Arthur Askey|website=IMDb|access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
During the [[Second World War|Second World War]] Askey starred in several [[Gainsborough Pictures|Gainsborough Pictures]] comedy films, including ''[[Band Waggon (film)|Band Waggon]]'' (1940), based on the radio show; ''[[Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt|Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]'' (1940); ''[[The Ghost Train (1941 film)|The Ghost Train]]'' (1941); ''[[I Thank You (film)|I Thank You]]'' (1941); ''[[Back-Room Boy|Back-Room Boy]]'' (1942);<ref>Murphy, 2005, p. 271</ref> ''[[King Arthur Was a Gentleman|King Arthur Was a Gentleman]]'' (1942); ''[[Miss London Ltd.|Miss London Ltd.]]'' (1943); ''[[Bees in Paradise|Bees in Paradise]]'' (1944); ''[[The Love Match|The Love Match]]'' (1955) and ''[[Make Mine a Million|Make Mine a Million]]'' (1959). His last film was ''[[Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse|Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse]]'' (1978), starring [[Debbie Ash|Debbie Ash]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0039450/|title=Arthur Askey|website=IMDb|access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>


===Television===
===Television===
In the early 1930s, Askey appeared on an early form of BBC television—[[Mechanical television#Television demonstrations|the spinning disc]] invented by [[John Logie Baird]] that scanned vertically and had only thirty lines. Askey had to be heavily made up for his face to be recognisable at such low resolution. When television became electronic, with 405 horizontal lines, Askey was a regular performer in [[variety show]]s. When television returned after the second World War, his first TV series was ''Before Your Very Eyes!'' (1952), named after his catchphrase. On 3 May 1956, Askey presented ''Meet The People'', a launch night programme for [[Granada Television]]. In 1957 writers [[Sid Colin]] and [[Talbot Rothwell]] revived the ''Band Waggon'' format for ''[[Living It Up (UK TV series)|Living It Up]]'', a series that reunited Askey and Murdoch after 18 years. He continued to appear frequently on television in the 1970s, such as being a panellist on the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] talent show ''[[New Faces]]'', where his usually sympathetic comments would offset the harsher judgments of fellow judges [[Tony Hatch]] and [[Mickie Most]]. He also appeared on the comedy panel game ''[[Jokers Wild (TV series)|Jokers Wild]]''. He made many TV appearances in variety, including BBC TV's long running show, ''[[The Good Old Days (UK TV series)|The Good Old Days]]''.  His final professional engagement was ''The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog'', which was recorded 1982, and broadcast by [[Channel 4]] in 1983.<ref>[https://www.bright-thoughts.co.uk/monologues-02.html] The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog production website</ref>
In the early 1930s, Askey appeared on an early form of BBC television—[[Mechanical television#Television demonstrations|the spinning disc]] invented by [[John Logie Baird|John Logie Baird]] that scanned vertically and had only thirty lines. Askey had to be heavily made up for his face to be recognisable at such low resolution. When television became electronic, with 405 horizontal lines, Askey was a regular performer in [[variety show|variety show]]s. When television returned after the second World War, his first TV series was ''Before Your Very Eyes!'' (1952), named after his catchphrase. On 3 May 1956, Askey presented ''Meet The People'', a launch night programme for [[Granada Television|Granada Television]]. In 1957 writers [[Sid Colin]] and [[Talbot Rothwell]] revived the ''Band Waggon'' format for ''[[Living It Up (UK TV series)|Living It Up]]'', a series that reunited Askey and Murdoch after 18 years. He continued to appear frequently on television in the 1970s, such as being a panellist on the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] talent show ''[[New Faces|New Faces]]'', where his usually sympathetic comments would offset the harsher judgments of fellow judges [[Tony Hatch|Tony Hatch]] and [[Mickie Most|Mickie Most]]. He also appeared on the comedy panel game ''[[Jokers Wild (TV series)|Jokers Wild]]''. He made many TV appearances in variety, including BBC TV's long running show, ''[[The Good Old Days (UK TV series)|The Good Old Days]]''.  His final professional engagement was ''The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog'', which was recorded 1982, and broadcast by [[Channel 4|Channel 4]] in 1983.<ref>[https://www.bright-thoughts.co.uk/monologues-02.html] The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog production website</ref>


===Radio===
===Radio===
In the late 1940s, Askey participated in a BBC radio show called ''How Do You Do'' in which listeners could write into the BBC asking for him to come and broadcast a show from their homes, twelve shows were broadcast with Arthur, his daughter Anthea and special guests, as well as a surprise guest each week which was revealed some time throughout the programme. The theme of each show was worked around the occupation of the family from where it was broadcast. This was broadcast on the [[Light Programme]]. Only one of the shows was recorded onto acetate discs, which are now held at The British Library. During the 1950s and 1960s, he appeared in many [[sitcoms]], including ''[[Love and Kisses (TV series)|Love and Kisses]]'', ''[[Arthur's Treasured Volumes]]'' and ''[[The Arthur Askey Show]]''. He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' on two occasions, in December 1959 when he was surprised by [[Eamonn Andrews]], and in December 1974, when Andrews, dressed as [[Humpty Dumpty]], surprised him on a television show while discussing the art of [[pantomime]]. Askey made four appearances on the [[BBC Radio]] series ''[[Desert Island Discs]]'' in 1942, 1955, 1968 and 1980. He shares the record for most appearances on the programme with [[David Attenborough]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Stephen |title=Desert Island Discs: 75 defining moments from 75 years of castaways |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jan/06/desert-island-discs-75-defining-moments-from-75-years-castaways |website=The Guardian |date=6 January 2017 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>
In the late 1940s, Askey participated in a BBC radio show called ''How Do You Do'' in which listeners could write into the BBC asking for him to come and broadcast a show from their homes, twelve shows were broadcast with Arthur, his daughter Anthea and special guests, as well as a surprise guest each week which was revealed some time throughout the programme. The theme of each show was worked around the occupation of the family from where it was broadcast. This was broadcast on the [[Light Programme|Light Programme]]. Only one of the shows was recorded onto acetate discs, which are now held at The British Library. During the 1950s and 1960s, he appeared in many [[sitcoms|sitcoms]], including ''[[Love and Kisses (TV series)|Love and Kisses]]'', ''[[Arthur's Treasured Volumes|Arthur's Treasured Volumes]]'' and ''[[The Arthur Askey Show]]''. He was the subject of ''[[This Is Your Life (British TV series)|This Is Your Life]]'' on two occasions, in December 1959 when he was surprised by [[Eamonn Andrews|Eamonn Andrews]], and in December 1974, when Andrews, dressed as [[Humpty Dumpty|Humpty Dumpty]], surprised him on a television show while discussing the art of [[pantomime|pantomime]]. Askey made four appearances on the [[BBC Radio|BBC Radio]] series ''[[Desert Island Discs|Desert Island Discs]]'' in 1942, 1955, 1968 and 1980. He shares the record for most appearances on the programme with [[David Attenborough|David Attenborough]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Stephen |title=Desert Island Discs: 75 defining moments from 75 years of castaways |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jan/06/desert-island-discs-75-defining-moments-from-75-years-castaways |website=The Guardian |date=6 January 2017 |access-date=24 September 2021}}</ref>


===Theatre===
===Theatre===
Askey appeared in the [[West End theatre|West End]] [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[Follow the Girls]]''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Adrian Wright|title=West End Broadway: The Golden Age of the American Musical in London|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6-TvZ0O5NHQC&pg=PA23|year=2012|publisher=Boydell Press|isbn=978-1-84383-791-6|page=23}}</ref> He also made many stage appearances as a [[pantomime dame]].
Askey appeared in the [[West End theatre|West End]] [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[Follow the Girls|Follow the Girls]]''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Adrian Wright|title=West End Broadway: The Golden Age of the American Musical in London|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6-TvZ0O5NHQC&pg=PA23|year=2012|publisher=Boydell Press|isbn=978-1-84383-791-6|page=23}}</ref> He also made many stage appearances as a [[pantomime dame|pantomime dame]].


===Recordings===
===Recordings===
Askey's recording career included "The Bee Song", which was an integral part of his stage and television act for many years, "[[The Thing-Ummy Bob]]"<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b6m-fTEGuW8C |title=The Foreign Office and Finland, 1938–1940 |author=Craig Gerrard|website=Books.google.com|date=15 September 2004 |isbn=9780203322765 }}</ref> and his theme tune, "Big-Hearted Arthur" (which was also his nickname). In 1941 a song he intended to record, "It's Really Nice to See You Mr Hess"<ref group=Note>The song is alternatively known as "Thanks for Dropping in Mr Hess"</ref> (after Hitler's deputy [[Rudolf Hess]] fled to Scotland), was banned by the [[War Office]]. A collection of Askey's wartime recordings appear on the CD album ''Band Waggon/Big Hearted Arthur Goes To War''.
Askey's recording career included "The Bee Song", which was an integral part of his stage and television act for many years, "[[The Thing-Ummy Bob|The Thing-Ummy Bob]]"<ref>{{citation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b6m-fTEGuW8C |title=The Foreign Office and Finland, 1938–1940 |author=Craig Gerrard|website=Books.google.com|date=15 September 2004 |isbn=9780203322765 }}</ref> and his theme tune, "Big-Hearted Arthur" (which was also his nickname). In 1941 a song he intended to record, "It's Really Nice to See You Mr Hess"<ref group=Note>The song is alternatively known as "Thanks for Dropping in Mr Hess"</ref> (after Hitler's deputy [[Rudolf Hess|Rudolf Hess]] fled to Scotland), was banned by the [[War Office|War Office]]. A collection of Askey's wartime recordings appear on the CD album ''Band Waggon/Big Hearted Arthur Goes To War''.


==''Private Eye''==
==''Private Eye''==
''[[Private Eye]]'' magazine in the 1970s regularly made the comment that he and the [[w:Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Mother]] had "never been seen in the same room together", referring to the fact that they were about the same age and height and suggesting that the Queen Mother was Askey in [[w:Drag (clothing)|drag]].
''[[Private Eye]]'' magazine in the 1970s regularly made the comment that he and the [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon|Queen Mother]] had "never been seen in the same room together", referring to the fact that they were about the same age and height and suggesting that the Queen Mother was Askey in [[Drag (clothing)|drag]].


==Honours==
==Honours==
Line 55: Line 51:


==Death==
==Death==
Askey carried on working on his comedy career until just before he was hospitalised in July 1982, due to poor circulation, which resulted in [[w:gangrene|gangrene]] and the amputation of both legs.<ref name=nyt>[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/17/obituaries/arthur-askey-comic-of-british-stage-and-tv.html Arthur Askey Obituary], ''[[w:The New York Times|]]''. Retrieved 20 April 2014</ref> He died in London's [[w:St Thomas's Hospital|St Thomas's Hospital]] on 16 November 1982 and was cremated at [[w:Putney Vale Crematorium|Putney Vale Crematorium]].
Askey carried on working on his comedy career until just before he was hospitalised in July 1982, due to poor circulation, which resulted in [[gangrene|gangrene]] and the amputation of both legs.<ref name=nyt>[https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/17/obituaries/arthur-askey-comic-of-british-stage-and-tv.html Arthur Askey Obituary], ''[[The New York Times|]]''. Retrieved 20 April 2014</ref> He died in London's [[St Thomas's Hospital|St Thomas's Hospital]] on 16 November 1982 and was cremated at [[Putney Vale Crematorium|Putney Vale Crematorium]].


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
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|-
|-
| 1940
| 1940
| ''[[Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]''
| ''[[Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt|Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt]]''
| Arthur Linden
| Arthur Linden
|
|
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|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1942
| rowspan="2"| 1942
| ''[[Back-Room Boy]]''
| ''[[Back-Room Boy|Back-Room Boy]]''
| Arthur Pilbeam
| Arthur Pilbeam
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[King Arthur Was a Gentleman]]''
| ''[[King Arthur Was a Gentleman|King Arthur Was a Gentleman]]''
| Arthur King
| Arthur King
|
|
|-
|-
| 1943
| 1943
| ''[[Miss London Ltd.]]''
| ''[[Miss London Ltd.|Miss London Ltd.]]''
| Arthur Bowman
| Arthur Bowman
|
|
|-
|-
| 1944
| 1944
| ''[[Bees in Paradise]]''
| ''[[Bees in Paradise|Bees in Paradise]]''
| Arthur Tucker
| Arthur Tucker
|
|
|-
|-
| 1955
| 1955
| ''[[The Love Match]]''
| ''[[The Love Match|The Love Match]]''
| Bill Brown
| Bill Brown
|
|
|-
|-
| 1956
| 1956
| ''[[Ramsbottom Rides Again]]''
| ''[[Ramsbottom Rides Again|Ramsbottom Rides Again]]''
| Bill Ramsbottom
| Bill Ramsbottom
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1959
| rowspan="2"| 1959
| ''[[Make Mine a Million]]''
| ''[[Make Mine a Million|Make Mine a Million]]''
| Arthur Ashton
| Arthur Ashton
|
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Friends and Neighbours]]''
| ''[[Friends and Neighbours|Friends and Neighbours]]''
| Albert Grimshaw
| Albert Grimshaw
|
|
|-
|-
| 1972
| 1972
| ''[[The Alf Garnett Saga]]''
| ''[[The Alf Garnett Saga|The Alf Garnett Saga]]''
| Himself
| Himself
|
|
|-
|-
| 1978
| 1978
| ''[[Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse]]''
| ''[[Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse|Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse]]''
| Mr Arkwright
| Mr Arkwright
|
|
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|-
|-
| 1953
| 1953
| ''[[The Love Match]]''
| ''[[The Love Match|The Love Match]]''
| Bill Brown
| Bill Brown
| TV movie
| TV movie
Line 199: Line 195:


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Arthur Askey is among other famous names in the ''[[w:Dirk Wears White Sox|Dirk Wears White Sox]]'' version of [[w:Friends (Adam and the Ants song)|"Friends"]] by [[w:Adam and the Ants|Adam and the Ants]].<ref> youtube.com/watch?v=6k6-EeFiN2g&t=113s </ref>   
Arthur Askey is among other famous names in the ''[[Dirk Wears White Sox|Dirk Wears White Sox]]'' version of [[Friends (Adam and the Ants song)|"Friends"]] by [[Adam and the Ants|Adam and the Ants]].<ref> youtube.com/watch?v=6k6-EeFiN2g&t=113s </ref>   


Paul Whitehouse in ''[[w:The Fast Show|The Fast Show]]'' played 'Arthur Atkinson' a spoof of Arthur Askey and [[Max Miller (comedian)|Max Miller]].{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
Paul Whitehouse in ''[[The Fast Show|The Fast Show]]'' played 'Arthur Atkinson' a spoof of Arthur Askey and [[Max Miller (comedian)|Max Miller]].


==See also==
==See also==
* [[w:Radio comedy|Radio comedy]]
* [[Radio comedy]]
* [[w:Cinema of the United Kingdom|Cinema of the United Kingdom]]
* [[w:List of British actors|List of British actors]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b9f3c1954 Arthur Askey] [[British Film Institute|BFI]]
* {{BFI|4ce2b9f3c1954|Arthur Askey}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100527234058/http://www.britishpictures.com/stars/Askey.htm Star Archive: Arthur Askey (1900–1982)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100527234058/http://www.britishpictures.com/stars/Askey.htm Star Archive: Arthur Askey (1900–1982)]
* {{IMDb name|id=0039450|name=Arthur Askey}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0039450|name=Arthur Askey}}
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* [http://www.ltmrecordings.com/bandwaggon.html Askey and ''Band Waggon'' audiobook CD at CD41]
* [http://www.ltmrecordings.com/bandwaggon.html Askey and ''Band Waggon'' audiobook CD at CD41]


{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Askey, Arthur}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Askey, Arthur}}
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[[Category:British male comedy actors]]
[[Category:British male comedy actors]]
[[Category:British novelty song performers]]
[[Category:British novelty song performers]]
[[Category:Deaths from gangrene]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:British Army personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:Royal Welch Fusiliers soldiers]]
[[Category:Royal Welch Fusiliers soldiers]]

Latest revision as of 21:24, 28 March 2023

Arthur Askey
CBE
Arthur Askey.jpg
Birth nameArthur Bowden Askey
Born(1900-06-06)6 June 1900
Dingle, Lancashire, England
Died16 November 1982(1982-11-16) (aged 82)
St Thomas's Hospital, London, England
Resting placePutney Vale Cemetery and Crematorium Wimbledon, London, England
GenresStand-up, comedic acting
SpouseElizabeth May Swash (m.1925–1974, her death)
ChildrenAnthea Askey
Parent(s)Samuel Askey
Betsy Bowden

Arthur Bowden Askey, CBE (6 June 1900 – 16 November 1982) was an English comedian and actor. Askey was known for his short stature (5' 2", 1.58 m) and distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, and his playful humour incorporating improvisation and catchphrases including "Hello playmates!", "I thank you" (pronounced "Ay-thang-yaw") and "Before your very eyes".

Askey achieved prominence in the 1930s in the BBC's first radio comedy series Band Waggon and subsequently starred in several Gainsborough Pictures comedy films during the Second World War including Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt (1940) and The Ghost Train (1941). His novelty recordings for His Master's Voice include "The Bee Song" (1938), a lasting part of his act. From the 1950s, Askey was a prominent television presence and made regular appearances on the BBC's long-running music hall programme The Good Old Days. Askey was made an OBE in 1969 and a CBE in 1981; he continued to appear frequently on television, radio and the stage until his death in 1982.

Early life and education

Askey was born at 29 Moses Street, Dingle, Liverpool the eldest child and only son of Betsy (née Bowden, d. 1949), originally from Knutsford, Cheshire and Samuel Askey (d. 1958), company secretary of Sugar Products of Liverpool. Six months after his birth, the family moved to 90 Rosslyn Street, Liverpool. It was here that a sister, Irene Dorothy, was born. Askey was educated at St. Michael's Council School (1905–11) and the Liverpool Institute for Boys (1911–16).[1]

Career

Askey served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the First World War and performed in army entertainments. This would prove an excellent training ground for his career in show business. After working as a clerk for Liverpool Corporation's Education Department, he was in a touring concert party, the music halls and was in the stage company of Powis Pinder on the Isle of Wight in the early 1930s before he rose to stardom in 1938 through his role in the first regular radio comedy series, Band Waggon on the BBC.[2] Band Waggon began as a variety show, but had been unsuccessful until Askey and his partner, Richard Murdoch, took on a larger role in the writing.[3]

Film roles

During the Second World War Askey starred in several Gainsborough Pictures comedy films, including Band Waggon (1940), based on the radio show; Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt (1940); The Ghost Train (1941); I Thank You (1941); Back-Room Boy (1942);[4] King Arthur Was a Gentleman (1942); Miss London Ltd. (1943); Bees in Paradise (1944); The Love Match (1955) and Make Mine a Million (1959). His last film was Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse (1978), starring Debbie Ash.[5]

Television

In the early 1930s, Askey appeared on an early form of BBC television—the spinning disc invented by John Logie Baird that scanned vertically and had only thirty lines. Askey had to be heavily made up for his face to be recognisable at such low resolution. When television became electronic, with 405 horizontal lines, Askey was a regular performer in variety shows. When television returned after the second World War, his first TV series was Before Your Very Eyes! (1952), named after his catchphrase. On 3 May 1956, Askey presented Meet The People, a launch night programme for Granada Television. In 1957 writers Sid Colin and Talbot Rothwell revived the Band Waggon format for Living It Up, a series that reunited Askey and Murdoch after 18 years. He continued to appear frequently on television in the 1970s, such as being a panellist on the ITV talent show New Faces, where his usually sympathetic comments would offset the harsher judgments of fellow judges Tony Hatch and Mickie Most. He also appeared on the comedy panel game Jokers Wild. He made many TV appearances in variety, including BBC TV's long running show, The Good Old Days. His final professional engagement was The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog, which was recorded 1982, and broadcast by Channel 4 in 1983.[6]

Radio

In the late 1940s, Askey participated in a BBC radio show called How Do You Do in which listeners could write into the BBC asking for him to come and broadcast a show from their homes, twelve shows were broadcast with Arthur, his daughter Anthea and special guests, as well as a surprise guest each week which was revealed some time throughout the programme. The theme of each show was worked around the occupation of the family from where it was broadcast. This was broadcast on the Light Programme. Only one of the shows was recorded onto acetate discs, which are now held at The British Library. During the 1950s and 1960s, he appeared in many sitcoms, including Love and Kisses, Arthur's Treasured Volumes and The Arthur Askey Show. He was the subject of This Is Your Life on two occasions, in December 1959 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews, and in December 1974, when Andrews, dressed as Humpty Dumpty, surprised him on a television show while discussing the art of pantomime. Askey made four appearances on the BBC Radio series Desert Island Discs in 1942, 1955, 1968 and 1980. He shares the record for most appearances on the programme with David Attenborough.[7]

Theatre

Askey appeared in the West End musical Follow the Girls.[8] He also made many stage appearances as a pantomime dame.

Recordings

Askey's recording career included "The Bee Song", which was an integral part of his stage and television act for many years, "The Thing-Ummy Bob"[9] and his theme tune, "Big-Hearted Arthur" (which was also his nickname). In 1941 a song he intended to record, "It's Really Nice to See You Mr Hess"[Note 1] (after Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess fled to Scotland), was banned by the War Office. A collection of Askey's wartime recordings appear on the CD album Band Waggon/Big Hearted Arthur Goes To War.

Private Eye

Private Eye magazine in the 1970s regularly made the comment that he and the Queen Mother had "never been seen in the same room together", referring to the fact that they were about the same age and height and suggesting that the Queen Mother was Askey in drag.

Honours

Askey was appointed OBE in 1969 and advanced to CBE in 1981.

Personal life

Askey was married to Elizabeth May Swash in 1925 until her death in 1974; he was the father of actress Anthea Askey (1933–1999).[10]

Death

Askey carried on working on his comedy career until just before he was hospitalised in July 1982, due to poor circulation, which resulted in gangrene and the amputation of both legs.[11] He died in London's St Thomas's Hospital on 16 November 1982 and was cremated at Putney Vale Crematorium.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1937 Calling All Stars Waiter
1940 Band Waggon Arthur Askey credited as Big Hearted Arthur
1940 Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt Arthur Linden
1941 The Ghost Train Tommy Gander
I Thank You Arthur
1942 Back-Room Boy Arthur Pilbeam
King Arthur Was a Gentleman Arthur King
1943 Miss London Ltd. Arthur Bowman
1944 Bees in Paradise Arthur Tucker
1955 The Love Match Bill Brown
1956 Ramsbottom Rides Again Bill Ramsbottom
1959 Make Mine a Million Arthur Ashton
Friends and Neighbours Albert Grimshaw
1972 The Alf Garnett Saga Himself
1978 Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse Mr Arkwright

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1952 Bet Your Life Arthur Golightly TV movie
1953 The Love Match Bill Brown TV movie
1955 Love and Kisses Bill Brown 5 episodes
1957 A Santa for Christmas TV movie
1960 Arthur's Treasured Volumes Various 6 episodes
1961 The Arthur Askey Show Arthur Pilbeam 6 episodes
1964 Ninety Years On Billy Merson TV movie
1966 Second Honeymoon Arthur Bowden TV movie
1966 Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp Widow Twankey TV movie
1967 No Strings Arthur Anders TV film

Legacy

Arthur Askey is among other famous names in the Dirk Wears White Sox version of "Friends" by Adam and the Ants.[12]

Paul Whitehouse in The Fast Show played 'Arthur Atkinson' a spoof of Arthur Askey and Max Miller.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The song is alternatively known as "Thanks for Dropping in Mr Hess"

References

  1. ^ Arthur Askey, Before Your Very Eyes (London: The Woburn Press, 1975), p. 22. ISBN 9780713001341
  2. ^ "Sunshine Concert Party, Shanklin". Flickr.com. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  3. ^ "Bandwaggon". Britishcomedy.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-05-16.
  4. ^ Murphy, 2005, p. 271
  5. ^ "Arthur Askey". IMDb. Retrieved 2020-05-16.
  6. ^ [1] The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog production website
  7. ^ Moss, Stephen (6 January 2017). "Desert Island Discs: 75 defining moments from 75 years of castaways". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  8. ^ Adrian Wright (2012). West End Broadway: The Golden Age of the American Musical in London. Boydell Press. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-84383-791-6.
  9. ^ Craig Gerrard (15 September 2004), "The Foreign Office and Finland, 1938–1940", Books.google.com, ISBN 9780203322765
  10. ^ Denis Gifford (5 March 1999). "Obituary: Anthea Askey". The Independent. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  11. ^ Arthur Askey Obituary, [[The New York Times|]]. Retrieved 20 April 2014
  12. ^ youtube.com/watch?v=6k6-EeFiN2g&t=113s

Bibliography

  • Arthur Askey (autobiography). Before Your Very Eyes (London: Woburn Press, 1975) ISBN 0-7130-0134-8
  • Kurt Ganzl. The Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre (New York: Shirmer Books, 2001) pp. 75 ISBN 0-02-864970-2
  • Murphy, Robert. (2005). British Cinema and the Second World War. A&C Black
  • Slide, Anthony. I Thank You: The Arthur Askey Story. (Orlando, Florida: BearManor Media, 2020).

External links

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