Harry Secombe was a Welsh actor and comedian, best known for his work on “The Goon Show,” “Oliver!,” and “The Harry Secombe Show.” He made a mark in entertainment with his unique humor and impressive singing voice.
Personal and Family Life
Harry Secombe was born on September 8, 1921, in Swansea, South Wales. He married Myra Atherton on February 9, 1948, and they had four children together, including actor Andy Secombe and daughter Katy Secombe. He often spoke fondly of his family and their support throughout his life.
Career Highlights
Secombe started singing in church choirs as a child and began his career in comedy after serving in the Army during World War II. He gained fame as a part of “The Goon Show,” which was a hugely popular radio series in the 1950s. In addition to radio, Secombe appeared in several films and television shows, showcasing his unique voice and sense of humor.
Death and Legacy
Harry Secombe passed away on April 11, 2001, in Guildford, England, due to prostate cancer. He left behind a legacy as one of Britain’s beloved comic entertainers. His contributions to comedy and music continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Penny Points to Paradise | 1951-04-25 | Harry Flakers |
| Oliver! | 1968-09-26 | Mr. Bumble |
| Down Among the Z Men | 1952-10-01 | Harry Jones |
| Davy | 1958-01-02 | Davy Morgan |
| Song of Norway | 1970-11-04 | Bioernstjerne Bjoernson |
| Forces’ Sweetheart | 1953-11-01 | Harry Llewelyn |
| Sunstruck | 1972-12-22 | |
| The Last Goon Show of All | 1972-05-10 | |
| Doctor in Trouble | 1970-06-16 | Llewellyn Wendover |
| Spike Milligan: Love, Light and Peace | 2014-12-10 | Himself (archive footage) |
| The Bed Sitting Room | 1969-06-01 | Shelter Man |
| Alice Through the Looking Box | 1960-12-25 | Humpty Dumpty |
| Jet Storm | 1959-09-16 | Binky Meadows |
| Rhubarb | 1970-04-03 | Rev. Rhubarb |
| The Unknown Peter Sellers | 2000-04-25 | Himself |
| The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins | 1971-11-01 | Stanley (segment “Envy”) |
| An Evening with Spike Milligan | 1996-02-24 | Himself |
| Spike | 1996-06-11 | Himself |
| The Unforgettable Harry Secombe | 2010-12-20 | Self (archive footage) |
| Helter Skelter | 1949-01-07 | Alf |
| Svengali | 1954-09-01 | Barizel |
| Pickwick | 1969-06-11 | Mr. Pickwick |
| An Audience with Jimmy Tarbuck | 1994-10-22 | Self – Audience Member |
| Just Like That! | 1989-01-01 | Self |
| The Paranormal Peter Sellers | 2001-01-01 | Self (Archive footage) |