Francis Alick Howerd, better known as Frankie Howerd, was a renowned British comedian who rose to fame despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life. Born in 1917, Frankie began his journey in the entertainment industry at the tender age of four, when he first stepped onto a stage. As a teenager, he taught Sunday school, but his life took a dramatic turn after his father's untimely death in 1934. At just 17 years old, Frankie was invited to audition for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA),although he ultimately decided that comedy was his true calling.
Undeterred by his poor audition, Frankie went on to create revues for music halls, featuring a range of talents including monologues, impressions, jokes, and comic songs. Despite struggling with severe stage fright, which would plague him for the rest of his life, Frankie persevered and continued to hone his craft. After serving in the Army during World War II, Frankie refocused on his career, making appearances on radio and in the theatre.
The 1950s saw Frankie earn his own TV variety show, but his newfound success was accompanied by a lack of self-confidence and debilitating shyness. This led to severe emotional conflicts, culminating in a nervous breakdown in the 1960s. Frankie's struggles with melancholia and deep depression seemed insurmountable, but he somehow managed to recover and went on to earn widespread acclaim for his performances in the London production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and the popular satire series "That Was the Week That Was".
Frankie's film career was less successful, although he did appear in a number of notable films, including "The Ladykillers", "Further Up the Creek", "The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery", and "Carry On" appearances. He also starred in the lead role in "The House in Nightmare Park" in 1973. Frankie was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977, the same year his autobiography, "On My Way I Lost It", was published.
Frankie's life came to an abrupt end in 1992, when he passed away on April 19th at the age of 74, due to heart failure. He was buried at St. Gregory's Church in Weare, Somerset, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved comedians.
