Mike Winters (comedian)
| Mike Winters | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Michael Weinstein 15 November 1926 Islington, London, England |
| Died |
24 August 2013 (aged 86)[1] Gloucestershire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Comedian, musician, businessman, writer |
Mike Winters, born Michael Weinstein (15 November 1926 – 24 August 2013), was an English comedian, musician, businessman and writer who was the straight man of the comedy double act Mike & Bernie Winters with his younger brother, Bernie.[1]
Early life
He was born in Islington, North London, where his father was a bookmaker. The family moved to Tottenham and he attended Tottenham Grammar School and the City of Oxford High School for Boys when he was evacuated to the city in World War II.[2] He then studied economics and at the Royal Academy of Music where he learnt to play the clarinet.[3] He also briefly served underage in the merchant navy as a catering boy. Following a medical discharge due to sinusitis he enlisted in the Canadian Legion as a musician, reaching the rank of captain. He then played jazz with his brother on drums and performed as a musician at dances and weddings.
Solo career
After the double act with his brother ended in 1978, Winters moved to Florida where he was a successful businessman and nightclub owner. He promoted theatre clubs in Miami and worked with legendary boxing manager, Angelo Dundee, presenting black-tie boxing events, and was also active in charity work; with visits to Miami from Muhammad Ali, Prince Michael of Kent and Prince Edward. He also co-produced with Jude Parry, directed, performed and wrote the first British professional pantomime to appear in Florida, it was such success that they continued for five years, starring not only local young talent but also the late Davy Jones of the Monkees.
Writer
He published five books including a biography of Angelo Dundee and The Axis of Greatness about the relationship between Angelo and his boxers Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali. His two novels are Miami One Way and Razor Sharp and his last book was a light-hearted memoir called The Sunny Side Of Winters.
Personal life
He married Cassie, a fashion designer and artist, in 1955 and they had a son and a daughter. Up until his death he lived in Fairford, Gloucestershire.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daily Telegraph Obituary. Retrieved 27 August 2013
- ↑ The Guardian Obituary. Retrieved 27 August 2012
- ↑ Who's Who on Television. Independent Television Publications 1970