Bernard Delfont
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bernard Delfont, Baron Delfont (5 September 1909 – 28 July 1994), born Boris Winogradsky, was a leading Ukrainian-born British theatrical impresario.
He was born in Tokmak, Ukraine, the second son of Isaac and Olga Winogradsky. His brothers Lew Grade and Leslie Grade also entered showbusiness. His nephew Michael Grade is now the Chairman of ITV.
Delfont entered theatrical management in 1941. He presented over 200 shows in London and New York, including 50 musicals. He also presented summer resort shows. He converted the London Hippodrome into the Talk of the Town restaurant.
He married the actress Carole Lynne in 1946. They had one son and two daughters. He was knighted in 1974 and created a life peer as Baron Delfont, of Stepney in Greater London in 1976. He died from a heart attack at his Angmering home.
[edit] Appointments
- EMI Ltd
- Entertainment Artistes' Benevolence Fund
- Life President, for which he presented the annual Royal Variety Performance (1958-1978)
- Entertainment Charities Fund
- Companion of the Grand Order of Water Rats
- Member of Saints and Sinners
- Printers Charitable Corporation
- President 1979
- First Leisure Corporation
- Chief Executive 1980-1986
- Executive Chairman 1986-1988
- Chairman 1988-1992
- President 1992-1994
- Bernard Delfont Organisation
- Director
