Billy Bennett
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William Robertson Russell Bennnett, better known as Billy Bennett, (1887 – June 30, 1942) was a British comedian who specialised in parodies of dramatic monologues and was billed as almost a gentleman.
Life
Bennett's father, John Bennett, was the partner of Robert Martell in a music hall slapstick comedy act but Glasgow-born Billy chose not to follow him immediately onto the stage, instead enlisting in the army. After a brief start as a comedian, Bennett re-enlisted at the start of World War I, enjoying a distinguished career in the 16th lancers and winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal and the Belgian Croix de guerre.Only in 1919 did he begin his stage career in earnest, appearing with Mark Lupino and in Fred Karno's army. Bennett's favourite act was to mock and parody the dramatic monologues of the turn of the century. Perhaps best known is The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog, his take on The Green Eye of the Yellow God. As of 1930, he adapted his act to radio, appearing with James Carew and Albert Whelan. He gave his final performance in Blackpool, just a few weeks before his death.
Legacy
Bennett was an important influence on comedians such as George Formby, Tommy Cooper, Ron Moody and Ken Dodd.Bibliography
- - (2004) "Bennett, William Robertson Russell (1887–1942)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, [link],
(subscription required)
External links
- [A brief history of Billy Bennett], by Dan Quinn
- [Recordings at Topic Records]
- [Text of monologues]
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