Arthur Bowden Askey English comedian Date of Birth: 06.06.1900 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Military Service
2. Radio and Television Success
3. Film Career
4. Later Career and Personal Life
5. Legacy and Death

Early Life and Military Service

Arthur Bowden Askey was born on June 6, 1900, in Liverpool, Lancashire, England. He was the eldest child and only son of Samuel Askey, a Liverpool sugar products company executive, and Betsy Bowden. After six months, the family moved to Rosely Street in Liverpool.

Arthur attended St. Michael's Council School from 1905 to 1911 and the Liverpool Institute for Boys until 1916, where he became known for winning an egg-and-spoon race. He served in the armed forces during World War I, where he performed comedy routines for the troops.

Radio and Television Success

After working as a clerk, Askey embarked on various touring acts and music hall performances. His breakthrough came in 1938 when he landed a role in BBC's first radio series, "Band Waggon." Askey's humor relied heavily on the playfulness of his characters, witty catchphrases (such as "Hello playmates!" and "I thank you all"), and improvisation.

In the early 1930s, Askey featured in BBC's early television broadcasts, but poor reception hindered his popularity. With the advent of electronic television systems, Arthur's visibility improved, and he became a regular fixture on various shows. His first television series, "Before Your Very Eyes!", aired in 1952.

Film Career

During World War II, Askey starred in several comedies for Gainsborough Pictures, including "Band Waggon," "Charley's (Big-Hearted) Aunt," "The Ghost Train," "I Thank You," and "Bees in Paradise." He also appeared in the West End musical "Follow the Girls."

Later Career and Personal Life

In the 1950s and 1960s, Askey starred in multiple sitcoms, including "Love and Kisses" with Lally Bowers, "Arthur's Treasured Volumes" with Anthea Askey, and "The Arthur Askey Show" with June Whitfield. He continued to release songs throughout his career, including "The Bee Song," "The Thing-Ummy Bob," and his signature tune "Big-Hearted Arthur."

Askey married Elizabeth May Swash, with whom he had a daughter, actress Anthea Askey. He was an active member of the Savage Club, a London gentlemen's club.

Legacy and Death

Arthur Askey died on November 16, 1982, in London. He was buried at Putney Vale Cemetery. The satirical magazine "Private Eye" often joked that Askey and the Queen Mother Elizabeth, who were of similar height, never appeared together in a room, leading to speculation that Askey was the "queen mother in slacks."

Despite his short stature and visual impairment, Arthur Askey's infectious humor and unforgettable catchphrases left an enduring mark on British comedy.