10 Facts About Dickie Henderson

Dickie Henderson was privately educated in both Hollywood, when his father was touring in vaudeville, and Britain, at St Joseph's College, Beulah Hill, London.

Dickie Henderson was in the running for the part of David Copperfield in George Cukor's film of the same name, but his father insisted that he decline the part and return to Britain, because he felt Hollywood was not the place for a young boy.

Dickie Henderson served in the Army during the Second World War, before appearing in revues, pantomimes and occasional films after demobilisation.

Dickie Henderson began a successful television career in 1953, with Face the Music, followed by appearing in Before Your Very Eyes with Arthur Askey.

Dickie Henderson starred in his own ITV television programme: The Dickie Henderson Half Hour in 1958, the success of which led to a touring stage show with Anthea Askey who played his wife, and their eventual immortalisation in a comic strip.

Dickie Henderson then starred in 84 episodes of The Dickie Henderson Show.

Dickie Henderson made many working trips abroad to the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.

Dickie Henderson was a leading Water Rat and was awarded the OBE, in recognition of his charitable work.

Dickie Henderson married Dixie Ross, a member of the three Ross Sisters, whose act combined singing, acrobatics and contortionism; at the time of their marriage she used the name Veda, taken from that of her sister.

Dickie Henderson died in Essex from pancreatic cancer on 22 September 1985, aged 62.