Naunton Wayne, a Welsh-born character actor, was inextricably linked with actor Basil Radford, and together they formed a comedic duo that delighted audiences in film and radio.
Born on June 22, 1901, Wayne was educated at Clifton College in Bristol and began his career as a comic entertainer in Wales before moving to London in 1928. He initially worked as an emcee and quipster in various stage productions, concert parties, and nightclubs.
Wayne's breakthrough came in 1937 when he began to take on straight acting roles. His big break came in 1938 when he and Radford were cast in Alfred Hitchcock's classic mystery film The Lady Vanishes, playing the characters Charters and Caldicott, two cricket-obsessed British gentlemen who are completely oblivious to the murder and mayhem happening around them.
The duo's instant rapport and comedic timing made them a hit, and they went on to appear in several films together, including Night Train to Munich (1940),Millions Like Us (1943),and Dead of Night (1945). They also starred in several radio serials, including "Crooks' Tour" and "Secret Mission 609".
Wayne and Radford's characters became so popular that they were often cast together in films, including It's Not Cricket (1949),Helter Skelter (1949),and Stop Press Girl (1949). After Radford's death in 1952, Wayne continued to act, appearing in a few more films and television shows before retiring from acting.
Naunton Wayne passed away on November 17, 1970, in Surbiton, Surrey, England.
