Michael Ward (actor)
Michael Ward , actually George Yeo (born April 9, 1909 in Carnmenellis , † November 8, 1997 in London ) was a British actor .
Life
The son of a clergyman from Cornwall graduated from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In 1945 he made his West End debut at the London Coliseum .
Ward's feature film debut followed in 1947. In film and television, Ward was bound to supporting roles. His tall, distinguished and effeminate appearance predestined him for snobs or secretaries, employees and salespeople who should exude either a touch of arrogance or a certain dignity. His numerous productions include five films in the Carry-on… film series by Peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas . He was also often cast in comedies by Norman Wisdom and the brothers Roy Boutling and John Boulting . In What the Butler Saw came Ward even almost a major role.
Even on television, the actor's profession remained comedy. He starred in episodes of Steptoe and Son , Hancock's Half-Hour and The Two Ronnies alongside Eric Morecambe , Ernie Wise , Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett .
Despite his conspicuous demeanor and the affected and effeminate stereotypes that he mostly embodied, Michael Ward managed for a long time to keep his homosexuality a secret from the public. He didn't come out until late on, when he started writing articles for the gay news .
After working on the comedy Revenge of the Pink Panther in 1978, a stroke forced Michael Ward to largely end his acting career. After 1986 he could only walk with help.
Filmography
- 1950: What the Butler Saw ( What the Butler Saw )
- 1953: Trouble in Store
- 1956: Up in the World
- 1961: Not so great, sweetie ( Carry on Regardless )
- 1963: It's crazy - those tired taxi drivers ( Carry on Cabby )
- 1964: It's crazy - Caesar loves Cleopatra ( Carry on Cleo )
- 1966: It's crazy - Alarm im Schuselschloß ( Carry on Screaming )
- 1966: It's crazy - Just don't lose your head ( Carry on - Don't Lose Your Head )
- 1978: Revenge of the Pink Panther
Web links
- Michael Ward in the Internet Movie Database (English)
Remarks
- ↑ David McGillivray: Camping it up in Carry Ons. In: Guardian of November 13, 1997.
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Ward, Michael |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Yeo, George (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | British actor |
| DATE OF BIRTH | April 9, 1909 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Carnmenellis |
| DATE OF DEATH | November 8, 1997 |
| Place of death | London |