Here are 8 famous actors from England died in 1968:
Tony Hancock (May 12, 1924 Hall Green-June 24, 1968 Sydney) also known as Anthony John Hancock, Anthony Hancock, The Lad Himself or Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock was an English comedian and actor.
Hancock's career began in the 1940s when he worked as an electrical engineer with the RAF. He began performing comedy in his spare time and soon began making a name for himself on the radio circuit. In 1954, he starred in his first television show, "Hancock's Half Hour," which quickly became a hit with audiences.
Over the next several years, Hancock continued to experience success as a comedian, appearing in films and TV shows, and touring extensively throughout the UK. However, he struggled with alcoholism and personal problems, which began to affect his career. In 1961, he walked out on "Hancock's Half Hour" and the show was renamed "Hancock," which quickly flopped.
Hancock moved to Australia in 1968 to try to revive his career, but tragically died by suicide just months after his arrival. Despite his troubled personal life, he is remembered as a hugely influential figure in British comedy and is often referred to as one of the greatest British comedians of all time.
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Donald Wolfit (April 20, 1902 Balderton-February 17, 1968 Hammersmith) also known as Sir Donald Wolfit, Donald Woolfitt, Sir Donald Wolfit KBE or Sir Donald Wolfit, CBE was an English actor. His child is called Margaret Wolfit.
Wolfit was primarily known for his work on stage, and was a leading figure of British theatre in the mid-20th century. He started his career in 1920 and went on to become a successful Shakespearean actor, known for his powerful and energetic performances in roles such as King Lear and Richard III.
Aside from theatre, Wolfit also appeared in several films, including "Svengali" (1954) and "Room at the Top" (1959). He was awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1950, and was knighted in 1957.
Despite his success, Wolfit was known for his difficult personality and clashes with fellow actors and directors. He died in 1968 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished actors of his time.
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Basil Sydney (April 23, 1894 St Osyth-January 10, 1968 London) also known as Basil Sidney was an English actor.
He is best known for his work on stage and in film. Sydney first began acting in the early 20th century, appearing in various stage productions before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 50 films, including "The Arsenal Stadium Mystery" (1939), "The Next of Kin" (1942), and "Dead of Night" (1945). Despite his successful film career, Sydney remained committed to theater and continued to appear on stage throughout his life. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in numerous productions at London's West End theaters. Sydney passed away in London in 1968 at the age of 73.
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Bud Flanagan (October 14, 1896 Whitechapel-October 20, 1968 Sydenham) also known as Chaim Reuben Weintrop, Robert Winthrop, Flanagan & Allen, Flanagan and Allen or Flannegan & Allen was an English actor, singer and composer.
Bud Flanagan was particularly known for his comedic talents and appearances in various British films and television shows. He gained initial success as part of the duo Flanagan and Allen with his partner Chesney Allen. They performed as a music hall and vaudeville act in the 1920s and later became popular radio personalities in the 1930s.
During World War II, Flanagan and Allen's patriotic songs such as "Underneath the Arches" and "We're Going to Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line" boosted morale and became anthems for the British public.
Apart from his entertainment career, Bud Flanagan was also seen as a philanthropist and actively supported various charities including Jewish and children's charities. He was honored with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961 for his services to the entertainment industry and also received the Freedom of the Borough of Stepney.
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Hanley Stafford (September 22, 1899 Hanley, Staffordshire-September 9, 1968 Los Angeles) also known as Alfred John Austin was an English actor. His child is called Graham Stafford.
Hanley Stafford began his career in the entertainment industry in the UK before moving to the United States in the 1920s. Over the next several decades, he appeared in numerous films, often playing authority figures such as judges or police chiefs. However, he is perhaps best known for his work on radio, particularly his role as the kind-hearted Dr. Watson in the popular Sherlock Holmes radio series of the 1940s. Stafford was also involved in behind-the-scenes work in radio and is credited with developing the concept of the "laugh track" to add audience reactions to recorded comedy shows. He continued to work in film and television until his death in 1968.
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Henry Hewitt (December 28, 1885 London-August 23, 1968 Newbury) was an English actor.
He began his acting career on the stage, performing in both London's West End and on Broadway. Hewitt also appeared in several films, including "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Ghost Goes West." In the 1950s, he became a regular on American television, appearing on shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone." Hewitt was known for his distinctive voice and refined British accent, which made him a sought-after character actor. He continued to act until his death in 1968 at the age of 82.
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Derek Oldham (March 29, 1887 Accrington-March 20, 1968 Portsmouth) also known as John Stephens Oldham was an English singer and actor.
He was renowned for his operatic and musical theatre performances, particularly in the tenor roles of Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas. Oldham's vocal talents were recognized early on, and he received training from various vocal coaches and opera singers.
He began his stage career in 1909 and made his London debut in 1911 in the chorus of "The Talk of the Town." He quickly rose to prominence and became the leading tenor at the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, where he played the roles of Nanki-Poo in "The Mikado" and Ralph Rackstraw in "H.M.S. Pinafore."
Oldham later went on to perform with other musical theatre companies and worked as a soloist with various orchestras. He also appeared in films, including "Atlantic" (1929) and "The Arcadians" (1933). In 1940, he retired from performing due to vocal problems but continued to be involved in the arts as a vocal coach and teacher.
Throughout his career, Oldham was widely respected for his musicianship and his ability to evoke emotion with his performances. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to music and theatre, including being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1957.
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Ted Lune (August 1, 1920 Bolton-January 7, 1968 Selsey) also known as Harold Garnett was an English actor. His children are called Lynne Lune and Anne Lune.
Ted Lune began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing on stage and in British films. He was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a range of characters in dramas, comedies, and thrillers. Some of his notable film roles include "The Blue Lamp" (1950), "The Beggar's Opera" (1953), and "The Quiet Woman" (1951).
In addition to his acting career, Lune was also a talented musician, playing the banjo and ukulele. He often incorporated his musical skills into his performances, adding a unique charm to his roles.
Unfortunately, Lune's life was cut short by a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 47. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impression on British cinema and theatre, and is remembered as a talented and versatile performer.
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