Here are 30 famous actors from United Kingdom were born in 1921:
Tommy Cooper (March 19, 1921 Caerphilly-April 15, 1984 Her Majesty's Theatre) also known as Thomas Frederick Cooper, Thomas Frederick "Tommy" Cooper or Cooper, Tommy was a British magician, comedian and actor. He had two children, Thomas Henty and Vicky Cooper.
Tommy Cooper was known for his unique style of comedy which combined magic tricks, slapstick and hilarious one-liners. He gained national fame in the UK during the 1960s and 70s with his appearances on television programs such as "The Benny Hill Show" and his own program "Cooperama". He was also a frequent performer at the famous London Palladium.
Despite his success, Tommy Cooper was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. His trademark fez and red jacket became iconic symbols of his comedic appeal. Sadly, Cooper suffered a heart attack and collapsed in the middle of a live performance on the television show "Live From Her Majesty's" in 1984. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Tommy Cooper's legacy continues to inspire generations of comedians and magicians around the world.
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Peter Ustinov (April 16, 1921 Swiss Cottage-March 28, 2004 Genolier) also known as Peter Alexander Ustinov, Alexander von Ustinov, Peter Alexander Freiherr von Ustinov, Ustinov, Peter Alexander Baron von Ustinow, Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, Sir Peter Ustinov or Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE was a British screenwriter, actor, author, comedian, opera director, theatre director, presenter, film director, film producer, journalist, voice actor, playwright, humorist, diplomat and educator. He had four children, Andrea Ustinov, Igor Ustinov, Pavla Ustinov and Tamara Ustinov.
Peter Ustinov was born in London to a Russian father and a German-Swiss mother. He attended Westminster School and began his career as a stage actor, performing in productions of Shakespeare plays. He made his film debut in 1940, and went on to have a successful career in both British and American cinema.
In addition to his work as an actor and writer, Ustinov was also a passionate humanitarian and served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. He was knighted in 1990 for his contributions to the arts and was awarded multiple honorary degrees from universities around the world.
Ustinov was married three times and had four children. He passed away in Switzerland in 2004 at the age of 82. Ustinov left behind an impressive legacy as a versatile and multi-talented artist who made significant contributions to the fields of film, theatre, literature, and education.
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Ken Adam (February 5, 1921 Berlin-) also known as Klaus Hugo Adam, Sir Ken Adam, Ken Adams, Sir Kenneth Hugo Adam, OBE, Heinie the tank-buster or Kenneth Adam is a British production designer, film art director and actor.
He is best known for his work on the James Bond films of the 1960s and 70s, where he created the iconic sets for films such as "Goldfinger", "Thunderball" and "Diamonds Are Forever". He also designed the sets for Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" and "2001: A Space Odyssey".
Before his successful career in film, Adam served in the Royal Air Force during World War II as a pilot and later worked as a draughtsman for an architectural firm. He was awarded an OBE in 1995 and in 2003 was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the film industry.
Adam also made a brief on-screen appearance in the Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me" as a member of the submarine crew.
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Don Sharp (April 19, 1921 Hobart-December 14, 2011 Cornwall) also known as Donald Herman "Don" Sharp, Donald Herman Sharp or Donald Sharp was a British film director, writer, film producer, television director, screenwriter and actor. He had four children, Jonny Dollar, Katherine Sharp, Andrew Sharp and Matthew Sharp.
During his career, Sharp directed over 40 films and wrote screenplays for numerous others. Some of his notable directorial works include "The Kiss of the Vampire," "Rasputin, the Mad Monk," and "Psychomania." He also worked extensively in television, directing episodes of popular TV shows such as "The Avengers," "The Saint," and "Man in a Suitcase." Sharp began his career as an actor before transitioning into directing and writing. His last film as a director was "Dark Places" in 1973.
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Terence Morgan (December 8, 1921 Lewisham-August 25, 2005 Brighton) a.k.a. Terence Ivor Morgan, Terence Ivor Grant Morgan or T. Morgan was a British actor.
Born in Lewisham, London in 1921, Terence Morgan began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to become one of England's most popular leading men in the 1950s and 60s. He began appearing in films in the late 1940s, but it was his role in the 1954 film "The Quatermass Xperiment" that made him a star. He went on to star in a number of other films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including "Tread Softly Stranger" (1958), "The Battle of the Sexes" (1959), and "The System" (1964). He was also well-known for his work on stage and television, appearing in a number of productions throughout his career.
Morgan was married twice and had seven children. He was also known for his love of sailing and owned several boats throughout his life. In his later years, he continued to be active in the entertainment industry, working on a number of television and film projects. He passed away on August 25, 2005 in Brighton, England at the age of 83.
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Peter Dyneley (April 13, 1921 Hastings-August 19, 1977 London) also known as Peter was a British actor and voice actor. His children are called Richard Dyneley and Amanda Dyneley.
Peter Dyneley was best known for his voice work, particularly as the voice of Jeff Tracy in the 1960s British television series Thunderbirds. He also appeared in several movies, including The Moon-Spinners, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and Crack in the World. In addition to his acting career, Dyneley was a trained pilot and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He passed away at the age of 56 after suffering a heart attack.
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Kevin Stoney (July 25, 1921 Nowgong, Chhatarpur-January 22, 2008 Chiswick) was a British actor and film score composer.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Curse of the Werewolf," "The Dirty Dozen," and "The Spy Who Loved Me."
Aside from acting, Stoney was also an accomplished composer and wrote scores for various film and stage productions. In the 1960s, he served as the musical director for the Royal Court Theatre in London.
Stoney was a prolific actor up until his death in 2008 at the age of 86. He is remembered for his versatile acting abilities and his contributions to the entertainment industry as both an actor and composer.
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Alan Clare (May 31, 1921 London-November 29, 1993) also known as Alan Jaycock or Clare, Alan was a British jazz pianist, actor and film score composer.
He began his music career in the 1940s and became known for his solo performances as well as his work with notable jazz bands such as the Squadronaires and the Geraldo Orchestra. Clare also made appearances on BBC radio and television as a pianist and actor.
In addition to his music career, Clare also composed scores for films such as "The Fast Lady" and "Dentist on the Job". He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, releasing numerous albums such as "The Piano World of Alan Clare" and "Live at Pizza on the Park".
Clare was a widely respected figure in the British jazz scene and is remembered for his virtuosic piano playing and contributions to the genre. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 72.
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Bill Dean (September 3, 1921 Everton, Liverpool-April 20, 2000 Upton) also known as Billy Dean, Patrick Connolly or Patrick Anthony Connolly was a British actor and soldier.
During World War II, Dean served in the British Army and fought in the Battle of Normandy. After the war, he turned to acting and appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, including "Zulu," "Doctor Who," and "EastEnders." He was also an accomplished stage actor, performing in numerous productions in London's West End. In addition to his acting career, Dean was actively involved in charity work and was a supporter of various veterans' organizations. He was awarded the MBE for his services to drama and charity in 1999, shortly before his death.
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Denis Shaw (April 7, 1921 Dulwich-February 28, 1971 London) otherwise known as Denis Findlay Shaw or Dennis Shaw was a British actor.
Throughout his career, Denis Shaw appeared in a number of television shows and films. Some of his notable works include roles in the films "The Quatermass Xperiment" (1955), "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), and "The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll" (1960). He also appeared in the popular British TV shows "The Avengers" and "Z Cars." Furthermore, Shaw was a prolific stage actor and highly respected for his work on the theatre scene. He was associated with Royal Court Theatre, where he performed in many plays. Shaw's career was cut short due to his sudden death at the age of 49 in 1971.
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David Greene (February 22, 1921 Manchester-April 7, 2003 Ojai) also known as Lucius David Syms Brian Lederman, David Brian Lederman or L. David Syms-Greene was a British television director, actor, film producer, television producer, film director and screenwriter. He had four children, Lindy Greene, Linsel Greene, Nicolas Greene and Laurence Greene.
David Greene began his career as an actor before transitioning into directing for television and film. Some of his most notable works include directing episodes of popular television shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". He also directed several successful made-for-TV movies, such as "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Hard Times".
In addition to directing, Greene was also a prolific television and film producer. He worked on several successful productions throughout his career, including the film "Sepia Cinderella" and the television series "The Naked Truth".
Throughout his career, David Greene received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He received two Emmy nominations for his work on "The Defection of Simas Kudirka" and "Peter the Great". He also won a BAFTA TV Award for his work on "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".
David Greene passed away in 2003 at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
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Robert Marsden (August 22, 1921 West Hampstead-April 5, 2007 Elstree) was a British actor and theatre director.
He started his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing in various stage productions in London's West End. Marsden went on to act in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "The Avengers" and "Z Cars". However, he is perhaps best known for his work on stage, where he directed many successful productions and earned critical acclaim for his innovative and unconventional approach to theatre. In addition to his directing work, Marsden was a respected acting coach, and his students included many famous actors and actresses. He continued to work in the theatre until shortly before his death in 2007.
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William Abney (January 7, 1921 Upminster-August 9, 1997 London) a.k.a. William Edward Charles Wootton Abney was a British actor.
Abney began his acting career in the British film industry in the late 1940s. He appeared in several notable British films in the 1950s and 1960s including "She Always Gets Their Man" (1962), "The Punch and Judy Man" (1963), and "The Whisperers" (1967). In addition to his film work, Abney also had a successful career in British television, appearing in several popular series throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He continued to act until his death in 1997 at the age of 76.
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Bob Todd (December 15, 1921 Faversham-October 21, 1992 Sussex) a.k.a. Brian Todd or Silly Todd was a British actor.
He is known for his work in the British comedy industry, particularly for his appearances in the popular TV comedy sketch show, "The Benny Hill Show". He also appeared in a number of other TV shows and films such as "Are You Being Served?" and "The Plank". Todd began his career as a dancer before transitioning to acting, and his physical comedy skills were often showcased in his work. He was also a talented musician and played the trumpet in various bands throughout his career. Todd passed away in 1992 at the age of 70.
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Peter Sallis (February 1, 1921 Twickenham-) also known as Peter Sallis OBE or Pete Sallis is a British actor, entertainer and soldier. He has one child, Crispian Sallis.
Peter Sallis is best known for his voice acting as the character Wallace in the animated films of Wallace and Gromit. He also starred in the long-running British sitcom "Last of the Summer Wine" for over 30 years. Sallis served in World War II as a radio operator and gunner in the Royal Air Force. He began his acting career in the 1940s and worked in various theaters before moving to television and film. In addition to his acting work, Sallis was also a keen gardener and writer. He was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2007 for his services to drama. Sallis passed away in 2017 at the age of 96.
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Kenneth Griffith (October 12, 1921 Tenby-June 25, 2006 London) also known as Kenneth Ewen Griffiths, Kenneth Griffiths, Ken Griffiths, Kenneth Reginald Griffiths or Kenneth Reginald Griffith was a British actor, film producer and screenwriter. He had five children, Eva Griffiths, Huw Griffiths, Jonathan Griffiths, David Griffiths and Polly Griffiths.
Griffith made his acting debut in the 1940s and went on to have a successful career spanning over five decades. He appeared in numerous British films and television shows but was best known for his role as Dai Bread in the film "How Green Was My Valley" in 1941. In addition to acting, Griffith also wrote and produced several films.
He was also a political activist and was heavily involved in anti-nuclear and anti-war campaigns. He was even arrested in 1958 for protesting against the testing of nuclear weapons. Griffith was a prolific writer and published several books on his travels and experiences, including "The Other Side of the Coin: An Adventure Story" and "The Captain's Story: In Which a Soldier of Fortune Tells his Story of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams."
Griffith died in 2006 at the age of 84 in London, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and passionate activist.
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Stephen Joseph (June 13, 1921 London-October 4, 1967 Scarborough, North Yorkshire) was a British actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Joseph was also known for his work in theater, particularly as a director and producer. He was a co-founder of the influential theater company, the Theatre Workshop, which was known for its politically-charged productions. Joseph was also a noted teacher of theater, having taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and at Oxford University. He died at the age of 46 from a heart attack while on a visit to Scarborough with his family. Despite his relatively short career, Stephen Joseph is remembered as a significant figure in the world of British theater and film.
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Paul Maxwell (November 12, 1921 Winnipeg-December 19, 1991 London) was a British actor and voice actor. He had one child, Lindsay Maxwell.
Paul Maxwell began his acting career in radio dramas and quickly moved on to television and film. He appeared in several popular British television shows of the 1960s, including Doctor Who, The Saint, and The Avengers. He also had small roles in several James Bond films, including Goldfinger and Diamonds Are Forever.
In addition to his on-screen work, Maxwell was also a prolific voice actor. He provided the voice for Colonel Steve Zodiac in the popular 1960s children's television show Fireball XL5, as well as many other animated and live-action productions.
Maxwell was known for his deep, smooth voice, which made him a popular choice for voiceover work. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 1991 in London, England. His daughter, Lindsay Maxwell, followed in his footsteps and also became an actress.
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Gordon Mulholland (April 30, 1921 England-June 30, 2010 East London) was a British actor. He had three children, Matthew Mulholland, Sean Mulholland and Jamie Mulholland.
Gordon Mulholland was best known for his work in South Africa, where he spent most of his career. He appeared in numerous TV shows, including "The Villagers," "The Diggers," and "The Sopranos." He also appeared in several films, including "The Naked Prey" and "The Gods Must Be Crazy." Mulholland was a well-respected actor, known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. In addition to his acting work, he was also a talented painter, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout South Africa. He died in 2010 at the age of 89.
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Robert Brown (July 23, 1921 Swanage-November 11, 2003 Swanage) also known as Robert James Brown or Bob Brown was a British actor.
He is best known for his role as M in the James Bond film series, from 1983 to 1989. Brown began his acting career on the stage, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He transitioned to film and television in the 1950s, appearing in various productions including "The Third Man" and "Take a Chance". In addition to his work in the Bond films, notable performances include roles in "A View to a Kill" and "The Living Daylights". Brown was also a respected voice actor, lending his voice to several animated series including "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Kong: The Animated Series".
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Peter Burton (April 4, 1921 Bromley-November 21, 1989 London) a.k.a. Peter Burdon was a British actor.
Burton began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to appear in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career. He gained recognition for his appearances in films such as "The 39 Steps" (1959), "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961), and "The Reptile" (1966).
Aside from his work in films, Burton was also seen on television, appearing in popular shows such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who". He was also a regular performer in theater productions, both in the West End and on Broadway, and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his time.
Burton continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 1989 at the age of 68. He left behind an impressive legacy and is remembered as a talented actor who contributed significantly to British film and television.
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Geoffrey Chater (March 23, 1921 Chipping Barnet-) also known as Geoffrey Robinson is a British actor.
He trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and went on to have a long and successful career both on stage and screen. Chater's stage work includes performances in productions of Shakespeare's plays and other classic dramas, as well as contemporary plays by playwrights such as Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard. He also appeared in numerous television shows and films, including the popular British series "Doctor Who" and "Yes Minister." Chater was known for his distinctive voice, which he used to great effect in both his stage and screen performances. He continued to act until his retirement in the early 2000s.
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Eric Rogers (September 25, 1921 Halifax-April 8, 1981 Chalfont St Peter) also known as Eric Gaukroger, Eric Rodgers or Eric Gauk-Roger was a British film score composer, composer, actor, conductor and music arranger.
He composed music for over 150 films and is best known for his work on the "Carry On" series of movies. Rogers began his career as a musician in the BBC Dance Orchestra and went on to become a prolific film composer, working on popular films such as "The Italian Job" and "A Shot in the Dark". In addition to his film work, Rogers also composed for television and theatre productions. He was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Best Film Song or Theme for his work on the 1963 film "The Mouse on the Moon". Aside from his work as a composer, Rogers also appeared as an actor in several films and TV shows.
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George Leech (December 6, 1921 London-June 17, 2012 Cardiff) also known as George Leach was a British actor and stunt performer. His child is called Wendy Leech.
Leech started his career as a stuntman in the 1950s, performing dangerous stunts in films such as "The Guns of Navarone" and "Zulu". He later transitioned into acting and appeared in over 30 films, including the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice" and the Clint Eastwood spaghetti western "For a Few Dollars More".
In addition to his work in films, Leech was also a renowned horseman and worked on many horse-related films, such as "The Horse Soldiers" and "The Magnificent Seven Ride". He was also a skilled swordsman and worked as a fight choreographer on films such as "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and "The Princess Bride".
Leech retired from the film industry in the 1990s but continued to be involved in the stunt community, serving as the president of the Stuntmens Association of Motion Pictures. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 90.
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Howard Goorney (May 11, 1921 Manchester-March 29, 2007 Bath) otherwise known as Howard Jacob Goorney was a British actor.
He made his stage debut in 1948 and appeared in numerous plays on both the West End and regional theatres. He is particularly well-known for his role as Eddie Yeats in the long-running British TV soap opera “Coronation Street”. He played the character for four years from 1974 to 1978. Goorney also appeared in several films, including “The Plank” in 1967 and “Straw Dogs” in 1971. In addition to his acting work, Goorney was also a playwright and wrote several plays throughout his career. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the 1990s, he continued to act on stage until his retirement in 2001.
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Richard Marner (March 27, 1921 Saint Petersburg-March 18, 2004 Perth) also known as Alexander Molchanoff-Sacha, Alexander Molchanoff, Alexander (Sacha) Molchanoff, Sacha Molchanoff or Alexander "Sacha" Molchanoff was a British actor. His child is called Helen Marner.
Marner was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and his family later fled to Finland to escape the Russian Revolution. He was educated in Helsinki before moving to France to study at the Sorbonne. Marner eventually settled in England in 1947 and began his acting career in the early 1950s. He is best known for his role as Colonel von Strohm in the British sitcom 'Allo 'Allo! and appeared in numerous other TV shows and films throughout his career. Marner was also a linguist, fluent in several languages including Russian, Finnish, French and English. He passed away in Perth, Scotland at the age of 82.
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Frank Thornton (January 15, 1921 Dulwich-March 16, 2013 Barnes, London) a.k.a. Frank Thornton Ball was a British actor. He had one child, Jane Ball.
Frank Thornton started his career as an actor in the 1940s and appeared in various stage productions. He later transitioned to television and film, and is best known for his roles as Captain Peacock in the sitcom "Are You Being Served?" (1972-1985) and as Herbert "Truly" Truelove in the long-running BBC comedy "Last of the Summer Wine" (1997-2010). He also had notable roles in films such as "Carry On Screaming!" (1966) and "Gosford Park" (2001). In addition to acting, Thornton was a skilled comedian and percussionist. He passed away at the age of 92 due to heart failure.
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Douglas Argent (May 21, 1921 Bexleyheath-October 30, 2010 London) also known as Douglas George Charles Argent was a British television producer, television director and actor.
He started his career as an actor in the mid-1940s, landing small roles in British films and television shows. However, he later shifted his focus to producing and directing television shows, making a name for himself in the industry. He produced and directed several successful television programs, including "The Avengers," "Dixon of Dock Green" and "Softly, Softly."
Argent was known for his innovative approach to television production and direction, often using new and unconventional techniques to create a unique viewing experience for audiences. His work was highly regarded in the television industry, garnering him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
In addition to his work as a producer and director, Argent was also heavily involved in the British actor's union, Equity, serving as its president from 1973 to 1976. He was also a dedicated advocate for the arts, serving on the boards of several theater companies and organizations.
Argent passed away in 2010 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential figures in British television history.
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Alfred Marks (January 28, 1921 Holborn-July 1, 1996 London Borough of Hillingdon) also known as Alfred Edward Marks, Ruchel Kutchinsky or Alfred Edward Marks OBE was a British actor, comedian, auctioneer, engineer and singer. He had two children, Gareth Marks and Danielle Marks.
Marks began his acting career in the 1940s with the army entertainment service during World War II. He later became a regular performer on TV shows such as "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Muppet Show". In addition to his acting career, he was also a successful auctioneer and hosted his own show called "Bargain Hunt" in the 1960s. Marks was also an accomplished engineer and served as the president of the Institute of Measurement and Control. In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry and engineering, Marks was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1995. Marks died in 1996 at the age of 75.
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Jimmy Clitheroe (December 24, 1921 Clitheroe-June 6, 1973 Blackpool) a.k.a. James Robinson was a British comedian and actor.
He was best known for his work in the BBC Radio comedy show, "The Clitheroe Kid" which ran from 1958 to 1972. Despite suffering from health issues due to a childhood illness, Clitheroe started his career at an early age, performing in variety shows and making his film debut at the age of 13. He went on to become a popular performer in music halls, radio, television and films, and was highly regarded for his ability to deliver risqué and adult jokes in a way that was both entertaining and non-offensive. He continued performing until his death from heart failure in 1973.
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