Cicely Courtneidge

Biography

Cicely Courtneidge was a comedian, singer, and actress who started on stage as a child in shows produced by her father, Robert Courtneidge. Born in Sydney, she was appearing in West End productions by the age of 16. When producers did not offer her leading musical comedy roles, she moved into music hall and became known for comic character sketches. In the 1930s she appeared in a series of British films and one Hollywood film, and she made records of songs and sketches. During the Second World War she entertained troops and raised funds, and after the war she had a long run in the comedy Under the Counter. Her stage successes included Ivor Novello's Gay's the Word from 1951 to 1952. She received a CBE in 1951 and a DBE in 1972. The Times called her performance in The L-Shaped Room (1962) a triumph.

87years old at death

Born April 1, 1893Sydney
Died April 26, 1980Putney
Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
Also credited as Cicely Esmeralda Courtneidge, Dame Esmerelda Cicely Courtneidge and (Esmeralda) Cicely Courtneidge

Movie Career

Films: 3
Career span: 36 years1930 to 1966

Every film, newest first

1966The Wrong BoxIMDb rating 6.7
1962The L-Shaped RoomIMDb rating 7.3
1930Elstree CallingIMDb rating 4.9

Genres

Did you know?!

First role
In 1910 Courtneidge took over from Phyllis Dare as Eileen Cavanagh in The Arcadians, a long-running Edwardian musical comedy. It was her first starring role.
Beyond film
Courtneidge's 1932 recording of the tongue-twister sketch Double Damask, by Dion Titheradge, was reissued in 1972. The Gramophone called it an enduring classic comedy sketch, as funny then as it was before.
A first
During her last West End run, starring in the 1971 farce Move Over, Mrs Markham at the Vaudeville Theatre, Courtneidge celebrated 70 years on the stage.