Frankie Howerd
Biography
Frankie Howerd was an English comedian and actor who began performing on stage but had an unsuccessful try at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, then entertained troops during World War II and turned professional after the war. Born in York in 1917, he made his radio debut on the BBC's Variety Bandbox in 1946 and built a following with music hall tours, direct addresses to the audience and asides that seemed off the cuff. His screen debut came in The Runaway Bus (1954), and he later appeared in Carry On Doctor (1967). The television series Up Pompeii! (1969 to 1970) led to the film Up Pompeii (1971), and he played versions of his character in Up the Chastity Belt (1971) and Up the Front (1972). Other credits included Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), Superfrank! (1987) and a one-man West End show in 1990. He was appointed OBE in 1977.
75years old at death
- Born York
- Died London
- Star sign: PiscesThe sign runs February 19 to March 20
- Francis Alick Howerd (birth name)
Movie Career
- Films
- 6
- Career span
- 22 years1956 to 1978
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About the name
Howerd's stage surname was his own invention: while serving in the British Army during World War II he changed his surname to Howerd "to be different".
Big break
Howerd's radio break came in early December 1946, when he made his debut on the BBC's Variety Bandbox alongside a number of other ex-servicemen.
First role
In 1954 Howerd made his screen debut in The Runaway Bus, playing opposite Petula Clark. The film had been written to suit his own particular comic talent.
Getting ready for a role
Howerd's catchphrases grew out of Eric Sykes's scripts: Sykes added 'ooh's and 'ahh's as punctuation pauses, and Howerd delivered them verbatim.
A change of course
Howerd's seemingly off-the-cuff remarks were not spontaneous: a later sale of his scripts showed they had all been meticulously planned.
Beyond film
In 1971 Howerd recorded a comedy version of the song "Je t'aime" with June Whitfield, playing Frank to her Mavis with a third sleeping partner named Arthur.
Frankie Howerd movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band1978 Adventure, Comedy, Fantasyas Mr. Mustard
IMDb rating 4.37.7K votes
Most often with
Bob Kellett directed two of these films. Four actors appear in two of them each. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Esma Cannon's page
Lance Percival's page
Madeline Smith's page
Bill Fraser's page
Bob KellettDirector, 2 films, 1971 to 1972
All films by Bob Kellett
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Officer of the Order of the British Empire | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.