Dates

• Existence: 6 June 1900 - 16 November 1982

Biography

Arthur Bowden Askey, CBE was an English comedian and actor.

Arthur was born on 6 June 1900 at Dingle, Liverpool and attended St. Michael's Council School and the Liverpool Institute for Boys until 1916, when he was called up to serve in the armed forces during the First World War. During his war service Arthur, who had a natural sense of humour and an uncanny ability to improvise started to take part in army entertainments.

Upon his release from service, Arthur worked as a clerk for Liverpool Corporation's Education Department while he was also performing on music halls. In 1938 he became widely known in England through his BBC Radio show Band Waggon where Arthur paired up with Richard ‘Stinker’ Murdoch to provide the comedy sketches, which soon became the dominant feature of the show.

Although Arthur had started his acting career in 1937 it was his appearance in Band Wagon that really launched him into the film and television limelight. During the Second World War Arthur starred in several comedy films and BBC Radio programmes.

Arthur enjoyed a long career in film, television, radio and the variety and music hall scene expanding until his death on 16 November 1982.

Arthur was awarded an O.B.E in 1969 and a C.B.E in 1981 for his services to entertainment.

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