Billy Bennett
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- For other persons named Billy Bennett or William Bennett, see William Bennett (disambiguation).
William Robertson Russell Bennett DCM MM, better known as Billy Bennett, (1887 – June 30, 1942) was a British comedian who specialised in parodies of dramatic monologues and was billed as almost a gentleman.[1]
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[edit] Life
Bennett's father, John Bennett, was the partner of Robert Martell in a music hall slapstick comedy act but Glasgow-born Billy chose not to follow him immediately onto the stage, instead enlisting in the army. After a brief start as a comedian, Bennett re-enlisted at the start of World War I, enjoying a distinguished career in the 16th Lancers and winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal and the Belgian Croix de guerre.[1]
Only in 1919 did he begin his stage career in earnest, appearing with Mark Lupino and in Fred Karno's army. Bennett's favourite act was to mock and parody the dramatic monologues of the turn of the century. Perhaps best known is The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog, his take on The Green Eye of the Yellow God. As of 1930, he adapted his act to radio, appearing with James Carew and Albert Whelan. He gave his final performance in Blackpool, just a few weeks before his death.[1]
James Agate wrote of Bennett:
Nobody who saw him is ever likely to forget that rubicund, unaesthetic countenance, that black, plastered quiff, that sergeant-major's moustache, that dreadfull dinner-jacket, that well-used dickey and seedy collar, the too-short trousers, the hob-nailed boots, the red silk handkerchief tucked into the waistcoat, the continual perspiration which was the outward and visible sign of a mind struggling for expression - these things will not be forgotten.
Off-stage, Agate noted that his manner was quiet almost to shyness, keeping with his gentle and wholly nice mind.[2]
[edit] Legacy
Bennett was an important influence on comedians such as George Formby, Tommy Cooper, Ron Moody, Ken Dodd[1] and Spike Milligan[citation needed].
[edit] References
[edit] Bibliography
- Busby, R. (1976). British Music Hall: An Illustrated Who's Who from 1850 to the Present Day. Elek. ISBN 0-236-40053-3.
- Fisher, J (1973). Funny Way to be a Hero. Paladin. ISBN 0-586-08240-9.
- Midwinter, E.C. (1979). Make 'em Laugh: Famous Comedians and their Worlds. Allen & U. ISBN 0-04-792011-4.
- — (2004) "Bennett, William Robertson Russell (1887–1942)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, accessed 14 March 2006 (subscription or UK/ Ireland public library membership required)
[edit] External links
