Dickie Henderson
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| Dickie Henderson | |
| Born | October 30, 1922 London, UK |
|---|---|
| Died | 22 September 1985 (aged 62) |
| Nationality |  United Kingdom |
| Occupation | comedian, dancer and entertainer |
Dickie Henderson OBE (30 October 1922 - 22 September 1985) was born in London. His father, Dick Henderson, born in Hull, Yorkshire was a Music Hall comedian and singer famous for his short, rotund appearance, bowler hat and beautiful singing voice. Dickie's two sisters, the Henderson Twins, were also performers in the style of the 'Andrews Sisters'. He married Dixie Ross, a member of the three Ross Sisters whose act combined singing and acrobatics.
He played in Frank Lloyd's Hollywood version of Noel Coward's play, Cavalcade (1933) at the age of 11. He was educated privately in Hollywood and London (at St.Joseph's College, Beulah Hill). He toured in music halls and appeared in several films with his famous father Dick Henderson (1891-1958).
Dickie Henderson served in the army during the World War II, before appearing in revues, pantomimes and occasional films after demobilisation. He began a successful television career in 1953, with Face the Music, followed by the Arthur Askey Show. He compered Sunday Night at the London Palladium, hosted 120 episodes of The Dickie Henderson Show, a series of A Present for Dickie, several spectaculars and a famous partnership with Bob Monkhouse.
He appeared in eight Royal Command Performances. He was a keen golfer and enjoyed most sports. He was a leading 'Water Rat' and was awarded the OBE, in recognition of his charitable work.
He married twice and had a son Matthew and a daughter Linda. He died from cancer, on 22nd September 1985, at the age of 62.
