British comedy character actor, the son of a tailor. Educated in Leeds, Harrogate and Brussels. Followed in his father's footsteps (prior to taking up acting) as "shirtmaker to the stars", setting up his establishment in London's fashionable Regent Street. He made his breakthrough on radio during the 1940's (tallying up 2000 broadcasts in 1947 alone), later also appearing in films and on television.