13 Facts About Dick Henderson

Richard Henderson was an English music hall comedian, singer and character actor.

Dick Henderson was born in Sculcoates, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, the son of a machinist.

Dick Henderson was an apprentice fitter at a shipyard, before leaving to join a pierrot troupe at Withernsea.

Dick Henderson was heavily built, smoked a cigar on stage, and wore tight suits to emphasise his girth, together with ill-matched shoes and a bowler hat several sizes too small.

Dick Henderson found success with his quick-fire patter, often joking in a marked Yorkshire accent about his fictional wife or mother-in-law.

Dick Henderson was billed as "The Yorkshire Comedian" or sometimes "The Yorkshire Nightingale", and was known for his baritone singing as well as his comedy.

Dick Henderson sang both comedy songs such as "Have You Ever Seen a Straight Banana", and sentimental songs, and was reputedly the first comedian to end his performances with a 'straight' song.

Dick Henderson appeared in the Royal Variety Performances in 1926, which consolidated his success.

Dick Henderson became popular in the United States, first visiting in 1924, and again in 1930, and made several Vitaphone short films.

Dick Henderson appeared in the now-lost 1930 film The Man from Blankley's, and in the 1935 musical comedy film Things Are Looking Up.

Dick Henderson continued to perform through the 1930s, making few changes to his established routines, and appeared in his second Royal Variety Performance in 1946.

Dick Henderson married Winifred Dunn in 1918; she outlived him.

Dick Henderson died in Paddington, London in 1958, aged 67 and was buried at St Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kensal Green.