Tony Hancock English comedian Date of Birth: 12.05.1924 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Career
2. 'Educating Archie' and 'Hancock's Half Hour'
3. Controversies and Declining Career
4. Final Days and Death

Early Life and Career

Anthony John "Tony" Hancock was born on May 12, 1924, in Birmingham, Warwickshire. His family moved to Bournemouth, Hampshire, when he was three. In 1934, his father died, and Hancock went to live with his mother and stepfather in Bournemouth's Durlston Court Hotel. He left school at the age of 15.

During World War II, Hancock served in the Royal Air Force. After failing to audition for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), he joined Ralph Reader's "Gang Show." Following the war, Hancock became a comedian at London's Windmill Theatre and appeared on radio shows like "Workers' Playtime" and "Variety Bandbox."

'Educating Archie' and 'Hancock's Half Hour'

National recognition came for Hancock with his role in the comedy show "Educating Archie," alongside ventriloquist Peter Brough and his puppet, Archie Andrews. In 1954, Hancock launched his own radio show, "Hancock's Half Hour," which quickly gained a television adaptation. Both programs skyrocketed Hancock's popularity, making him a star in his home country. He became the first entertainer to receive £1,000 for a half-hour show.

Initially broadcast live, "Hancock's Half Hour" switched to pre-recording in 1959 due to Hancock's nervous temperament. Over time, the television version shifted its focus to fellow cast member Sid James, a more experienced actor. In 1961, Hancock controversially decided to continue the show without James, cutting its runtime to 25 minutes and renaming it "Hancock."

Controversies and Declining Career

In 1961, Hancock parted ways with "Hancock's Half Hour" writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, as well as his longtime agent, Beryl Vertue. He had reportedly not paid the writers for six months of work on three scripts, which he allegedly never read. Hancock's subsequent attempts to co-write his own material led to a split with Galton and Simpson.

Hancock continued to appear on British television until 1967, but his career was hampered by drinking problems. In 1967, he suffered a liver infection and was told he had three months to live if he did not stop drinking. Amid health issues and personal turmoil, Hancock released two unsuccessful series for ABC Television: "The Blackpool Show" (1966) and "Hancock" (1967).

Final Days and Death

In 1967, Hancock traveled to Australia to film "Hancock Down Under" for Seven Network. However, after shooting only three episodes, he fell ill with pneumonia. On June 25, 1968, he died in Sydney, Australia, from an overdose of Amylobarbitone dissolved in vodka.

Hancock's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. His legacy as a comedian has been overshadowed by his personal struggles, but his contributions to British television and comedy remain significant.