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1-50 of 191
- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Kenny Baker was born on 24 August 1934 in Birmingham, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Time Bandits (1981), Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) and The Elephant Man (1980). He was married to Eileen Baker. He died on 13 August 2016 in Preston, Lancashire, England, UK.- Jacqueline Pearce was born on 20 December 1943 in Byfleet, Surrey, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Blake's 7 (1978), Doctor Who (1963) and David Copperfield (1974). She was married to Drewe Henley and Michael Rudman. She died on 3 September 2018 in Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Robert Harper (Bobby Ball) and Thomas Derbyshire (Tommy Cannon) were both born in Oldham. They met in the early 1960s while working as welders in the same factory. Becoming friends, they formed a club act known as "Bobby and Stevie Rhythm", which became the Sherrell Brothers, then The Harper Brothers. Initially they were a vocal duo, but over time started to introduce more comedy into their act. They turned professional in the late 1960s, and eventually changed their name to Cannon and Ball.
Their first TV appearance was on "Opportunity Knocks" in 1968, where they came in last. Other early TV work included appearances on The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club (1974) during the 1970s. However, during this time their work remained predominantly in clubs and theaters. Their last TV series was in 1991, by which time tastes had changed and they were not as popular on TV. They continued their theatre summer seasons and pantomimes, where they still drew large audiences. Guest appearances on television continued.
Although things seemed to be going well in the 1980s, things off-stage were darker. Over the years they had gradually estranged to the extent that they no longer spoke to one another except when work demanded. Bobby was drinking heavily, womanizing, and had gained a reputation for violence. In 1986, Ball became a Christian, as did Cannon in 1992. During the 1990s and 2000s, the duo continued working, with theatre tours, summer shows, pantomimes and TV appearances keeping them busy. They performed regular Christian concerts and "evening with..." shows where they spoke about their lives and faith.- John Comer was born on 1 March 1924 in Manchester, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Last of the Summer Wine (1973), Emmerdale Farm (1972) and The Family Way (1966). He died on 11 February 1984 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Don Estelle was born on 22 May 1933 in Manchester, England, UK. He was an actor, known for It Ain't Half Hot Mum (1974), Not Now, Comrade (1976) and Dad's Army (1968). He was married to Elizabeth Amy Brent and Mary Heywood. He died on 2 August 2003 in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK.- Eileen Baker was born on 11 June 1947 in Preston, Lancashire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) and Wombling Free (1977). She was married to Kenny Baker. She died on 23 September 1993 in Preston, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Albert Modley was born on 3 March 1901 in Liverpool, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Bob's Your Uncle (1942), Up for the Cup (1950) and Take Me to Paris (1951). He was married to Doris Readshaw. He died on 23 February 1979 in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, UK.- Ray Mort was born on 10 January 1926 in Bury, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982), The Good Companions (1980) and Doomwatch (1970). He died on 4 July 1994 in Bury, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Born George Hoy Booth in Wigan, Lancashire on 26 May 1904, he later took his father's stage name of George Formby. He briefly attended school where he failed to learn to read or write so was removed from formal education and sent to become a stable boy in Middleham, North Yorkshire, where he later became an apprentice jockey. In 1915 with the closure of the English racing season because of the First World War he moved to Ireland and continued as a jockey until the end of hostilities. Returning to England he raced for Lord Derby's Newmarket stables where he never won a race. Following his father's death in 1921 he gave his professional two week appearance at the Hippodrome in Lancashire where he was paid £5 a week and soon after hired to appear on the Moss Empire chain of theatres at £17 10 shillings a week. Touring around venues in Northern England his act didn't go down well resulting in bouts of unemployment. In 1923 he made two career changing decisions - he bought a ukulele and married Beryl Ingham, an Acrington, Lancashire, born champion champion clog dancer and actress who transformed his act. She insisted he appear on stage formally dressed and introduce his ukulele to his performance.. By June 1926 he'd started his recording career and from 1934 he was increasingly working in films developing into a major star by the late '30's and becoming the U.K.'s most popular and highest paid entertainer. During WWII he worked extensively for the ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) entertaining civilians and troops and touring factories, theatres and concert halls. By 1946 it was estimated that he had performed in front of three million service personnel. After the war his career declined although he toured the commonwealth and continued to appear in variety and pantomime. His last television appearance was in December 1960, two weeks before the death of Beryl. Seven weeks after her funeral he announced his engagement to a school teacher but died in Preston three weeks later at the age of 56. He was buried in Warrington alongside his father.- Bert Palmer was born on 22 April 1900 in Easingwold, Yorkshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for A Kind of Loving (1962), The Avengers (1961) and Nearest and Dearest (1968). He was married to Lynne Carol. He died on 15 January 1980 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Composer
James Etherington was born on 16 April 1902 in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, England, UK. He was an actor and composer, known for The Hills of Donegal (1947), Post (2009) and The Policeman's Serenade (1947). He died on 16 June 1948 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.- Actor
- Writer
Jim Bowen is an English actor, stand-up comedian and TV personality.
He is best known as the long-time host of the ITV game show Bullseye, which he hosted from its beginning in September 1981 until the end of its 14th series in July 1995.
Bowen has also appeared in TV dramas and comedies. He played a crooked accountant in ITV's 1982 drama Muck and Brass, and later guest starred in BBC1's Jonathan Creek and Channel 4's Phoenix Nights.
In 1999, Bowen began presenting on BBC Radio Lancashire.- Clifford Kershaw was born on 17 March 1909 in Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for David Copperfield (1974), Sweeney 2 (1978) and Play for Today (1970). He died in 1979 in Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Derek Acorah was born on 27 January 1950 in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Big Fat Gypsy Gangster (2011), Doctor Who (2005) and Crispy's Curse (2017). He was married to Gwen Acorah, Barbara Keeton and Joan Hughes. He died on 3 January 2020 in Bootle, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Tony Melody played character parts in many of Britain's most popular TV shows, including Coronation Street (1960), Emmerdale Farm (1972) and Last of the Summer Wine (1973). For 15 years he played the neighbour, Mr. Higginbottom, in The Clitheroe Kid on BBC radio. Melody's long, hangdog face also earned him comedy cameos in Steptoe and Son (1962), Heartbeat (1992), City Central (1998), and Where the Heart Is (1997). Melody also worked in stage shows and films. His big break came with Yanks (1979) starring Richard Gere. Sudden fame came his way when he appeared in a TV McDonald's campaign in 2002. His broadcasting break came in the BBC's North Region in 1955 with What Makes A Star? - a showcase for new talent. His first network television was in 1957 in the Hylda Baker comedy series Be Soon (1957). In the 1980s he was regular on Bergerac (1981), Dalziel and Pascoe (1996). An unassuming man who was shy offscreen and rarely gave interviews. Melody's first marriage was dissolved and in 1972 he married Maggie, a former dancer he met in Skegness. They lived happily ever after.
- Norah Pollitt was born on 18 November 1902 in Manchester, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Coronation Street (1960), Secret Diaries (1978) and Play for Today (1970). She was married to Harold Hodkinson, Kenneth Pollitt and Peter Price. She died on 7 August 1998 in Lancashire, England, UK.
- Marjorie Sudell (died 21st April, 2001) had a career as an actress mainly on British television.
She played Flo Broadbent on Coronation Street (1960) in 1974, and Mavis Riley's Auntie Edie in 1977.
She appeared in an episode of Last of the Summer Wine. Her other credits include Flambards and Brideshead Revisited.
She featured in a Victoria Wood television play Happy Since I Met You (1981) in 1981
She was married to Jack Priestley. - Colin Bean was born on 15 April 1926 in Wigan, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Dad's Army (1971), The Gnomes of Dulwich (1969) and Dad's Army (1968). He died on 20 June 2009 in Wigan, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Stunts
Jimmy James, whose real name was James Casey was born in Stockton on Tees in 1892, His father, who was a clog dancer on Northern and Midland halls in 1904 introduced James as Terry the Blue Eyed Irish Boy who then did a song and dance act. After a while he joined Will Netta's juvenile singing troupe, Jockeys then Phil Ree's Stable Lads and Clare Lovedales Ten to One On. He then formed his own sketch company and toured The Spare Room as a bridegroom who got drunk at the reception and got locked out on the wedding night, Playing Sunderland in 1929 he was seen by George Black's agent and given a London booking at the Palladium, He was essentially a visual comic doing drunk routines, rolling a cigarette around his mouth, facial contortions. He had 3 routines Drunk, chipster and his best known The Shoebox with gormless Hutton Conyers, originally played by his son in law, Jack Darby then his son Cass James then Roy Castle (1956 ~ 59) Bretton Woods and his nephew Jack Casey.
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-- Roderick Shaw was born on 30 June 1958 in Chelsea, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972), The Pallisers (1974) and Journey to the Unknown (1968). He died in April 1996 in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actress
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Violet Carson was born on 1 September 1898 in German Street, Ancoats, Manchester, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Coronation Street (1960), An Age of Kings (1960) and Hilda Lessways (1959). She was married to George Frederick Peploe. She died on 26 December 1983 in Cleveleys, Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.- Producer
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Peter Eckersley was born on 7 April 1936 in Leigh, Lancashire, England, UK. He was a producer and writer, known for Wood and Walters (1981), Coronation Street (1960) and Hard Times (1977). He was married to Anne Reid and Eileen Wilson. He died on 27 August 1981 in Manchester, Lancashire, England, UK.- Kay Purcell was born on 6 December 1963 in Leyland, Lancashire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Emmerdale Farm (1972), Tracy Beaker Returns (2010) and Messiah: The Harrowing (2005). She died on 23 December 2020 in Lancashire, England, UK.
- Frank Carson was born on 11 June 1926 in Belfast, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. He was an actor, known for Wild About Harry (2000), Dick Dickman P.I. (2008) and Under and Over (1971). He was married to Ruth Carson. He died on 22 February 2012 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Keith started in show business at the early age of 9 in a comedy act with his father. Two years later when his father retired Keith couldn't find a partner to be a straight man so decided to be a ventriloquist. His father bought him his first 'doll' but after the string broke in the middle of his act he decided to make his own characters. he's had Orville since 1977 and Cuddles since 1967.- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Frank Randle was born on 30 January 1901 in Wigan, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for Somewhere in Civvies (1943), It's a Grand Life (1953) and Somewhere in England (1940). He was married to May Annie Victoria Douglas. He died on 7 July 1957 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.- Thomas Gallagher was born in 1898 in Germany. He was an actor, known for The Plank (1967), The Saint's Girl Friday (1953) and BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (1950). He was married to Rose Power. He died on 28 October 1967 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Producer
- Editor
- Director
John Irwin was born on 13 December 1912 in Dublin, Ireland. He was a producer and editor, known for Badger's Green (1949), A Piece of Cake (1948) and Kaleidoscope (1946). He was married to Philippa Hiatt. He died on 23 October 1976 in Salford, Manchester, Lancashire, England, UK.- Elizabeth Lax was born on 8 February 1950 in Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Likely Lads (1976), Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973) and Coronation Street (1960). She was married to Christopher Buckley. She died on 25 June 1996 in Newhey, Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Lynne Carol was born on 29 June 1914 in Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. She was an actress, known for Coronation Street (1960), The War of Darkie Pilbeam (1968) and Yanks (1979). She was married to Bert Palmer. She died on 30 June 1990 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Dorothy Boyd was born on 8 May 1907 in Sanderstead, Surrey, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Easy Virtue (1927), Virginia's Husband (1934) and The Constant Nymph (1928). She died in 1996 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- John Pedrick was born on 27 November 1947 in Hackney, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), The Sign of Four (1983) and Meet Ricky Gervais (2000). He died on 12 December 2005 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- He was in a play at Stockport's Theatre Royal when he met 'Teddy', who had been training at the Manchester Ballet School, and had gone back stage . They were married some months later when he was in rep in Halifax. He was called up for war service in June 1940, just after their 3rd child had been born, and spent 5 years with the 1st Battalion Loyals Regiment serving in North Africa and Demobbed as a corporal he returned to rep but with productions often not being forth coming was forced to take other work such as working on building sites, and in an ice cream factory, 3 years delivering bread and a year running a Manchester pub, which was a disaster. In between he managed to get small parts on television then in 1958 he got a staff job with Granada Television as an announcer and did the first announcement for the opening episode of Coronation Street little knowing that some years hence he would be appearing in it. He's married with 5 children - Brian,Ann,Peter, Diana and Michael. His father was a diamond cutter with a jewellery firm.
- Norman McGlen was born on 17 June 1911 in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Tomorrow People (1973), Moviemakers (1971) and Casanova (1971). He died on 6 May 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Meg Johnson was born on 30 September 1936 in Manchester, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Emmerdale Farm (1972), The Good Companions (1980) and Coronation Street (1960). She was married to Charles Foster and (Arthur) Hibbert Johnson. She died on 1 July 2023 in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Writer
Tony Tenser was born on 10 August 1920 in London, England, UK. He was a producer and writer, known for Repulsion (1965), Cul-de-sac (1966) and The Tomcat (1967). He died on 5 December 2007 in Southport, Lancashire, England, UK.- Make-Up Department
Former Bluebell Dancer in the world famous Bluebells Dance Troupe. Joined BBC London Make-Up Department in 1956. Married Scottish comedian Alex Munro and became mother with Alex Jr. and stepmother to Janet, one of Britain's biggest film stars of the 50s and 60s, until her tragic death in 1972. Lilias worked on numerous productions and was Head of Make-Up at BBC Manchester, retiring in 1976. Continued work in a freelance capacity around the world with South Pacific Television, New Zealand and in England at Political Party Conferences, artist to Prime Minsters Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.- Animation Department
- Director
- Producer
John was wounded in WWII, while serving in the British Army "Desert Rats", in North Africa. Being a graphic artist, on return to England, he started as asst. art director at Pinewood Studio, with David Lean. Seeing a note on the studio notice board asking for cartoonists and artists to apply at GBA, Cookham, for work as animators, John applied, and was accepted. Here, under David Hand, (ex Disney director of Snow-White, Bambi), he worked for four years, becoming a first rate animator and director. GBA closed, John moved to US, and Disney, working on Peter Pan, and Lady & the Tramp, in Les Clark's unit. In 1954 he left Disney to start Fine Arts Films producing Petroushka (1956) with I. Stravinsky, winning five international awards, starting a new artistic direction in the use of animation. Journey to the Stars, (1961), seen by 7 million visitors to the Seattle World's Fair, was a major step, and animating Irma La Douce (trailer), for Billy Wilder, made it possible to enjoy the artistic merits of Paris hookers. He started John Wilson Prods., for Aussie TV in Melbourne, 1963, in a brief visit down under. Back with FAF, in '64, John got the Peabody award for NBC's Exploring, as the Best Kid's Show. This led to ten years work for US-TV, (CBS, ABC, NBC) in children's and primetime entertainment. In 1971 he produced and directed the animated feature Shinbone Alley (1970), a literary and musical success based on the works of poet Don Marquis. This received the Golden Phoenix Award at the Atlanta Film Festival, (Best of Fest). For the next ten years, John produced many award-winning TV series, (Madeline-DIC), Bucky O'Hare and Peter Pan for FOX-TV. Stanley the Ugly Duckling (1/2 Hour Musical for ABC-TV. Returning to OZ, in '83, John set Ferngully for AFC, as an animated feature, which successfully protected the rainforests, released by Warner Bros. At present, John is working on the musical version of Peer Gynt.- Gordon Langford Rowe was born on 23 September 1936 in Chorley, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Emmerdale Farm (1972), The Advocate (1993) and Blood & Peaches (1995). He was married to Dorothy Rowe. He died on 26 August 2007 in Chorley, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Lennie Bennett was born on 26 September 1938 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for Lennie and Jerry (1978), Names and Games (1984) and Rising Stars (1979). He was married to Teresa Jackson and Margaret Blackhouse. He died on 8 April 2009 in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Andrew Laurence was born on 1 December 1909 in Walesby, Lincolnshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Macbeth (1971), Home Tonight (1961) and Strangler's Morgue (1946). He was married to Ann Rye. He died on 5 June 1996 in Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Mo Moreland was born on 30 November 1936 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Coronation Street (1960), New Faces (1973) and The Little and Large Show (1978). She was married to Roy Moreland. She died on 15 December 2023 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Jack Pye was born on 9 July 1903 in Hindley, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Leave It to Me (1937), Wives Never Know (1936) and It's a Grand Life (1953). He was married to Lillian Wright. He died on 8 December 1985 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Actress
- Soundtrack
Beryl Formby was born on 9 September 1901 in Lancashire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for Boots! Boots! (1934) and Off the Dole (1935). She was married to George Formby. She died on 24 December 1960 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.- Harry Graves was born on 16 November 1913 in Romford, Essex, England, UK. He died on 24 August 1994 in Lancashire, England, UK.
- Ronne Coyles was born on 9 March 1930 in Blyth, Northumberland, England, UK. He was an actor, known for TV Burp (2001), Here Comes the Sun (1946) and The All New Harry Hill Show (2003). He died on 20 January 2017 in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Peter Whalley was born on 12 March 1946 in Colne, Lancashire, England, UK. He was a writer, known for Coronation Street (1960), Coronation Street: After Hours (1999) and Angels (1975). He was married to Ruth Joseph and Janette Munn. He died on 26 July 2017 in Hest Bank, Lancashire, England, UK.- Additional Crew
Richard Caswell is known for Great West End Theatres (2012). He died on 26 February 2016 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.- Roy Moreland was born on 9 July 1932 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, UK. He was married to Mo Moreland. He died on 2 January 2001 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.
- Frank Lucas was born on 25 September 1924 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK. He was an executive. He died on 9 May 2023 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK.