Radio and Television Personalities A

Shirley Abicair
1928 -

This popular Australian-born performer came to the UK at 21 and was a singer with a band and for the Forces. Sang 'I know Where I'm Going' on TV and appeared on children's television singing Australian songs and telling stories while accompanying her-self on the zither. Also did night-club appearances, a concert tour and made a few records.

Joy Adamson
1935 - 1987

Scottish-born actress who appeared on radio in 'Mrs Dale's Diary' and on 'Twenty Questions'.

Pamela Alan
1921 -

Born in India, she appeared regularly on television ('The Teckman Biography') as well as on the stage. Married to actor Laurence Payne (qv).

Elizabeth Allan
1908 - 1990

Former model and film extra who got a film part and made several Hollywood and British films in the 1930's Appeared on TV's 'What's My Line', being noted for her wit and glamour. Also in TV dramatic roles, having her own series in 1954, 'The Adventures Of Annabel'.

Gracie Allan
1895 - 1964

With husband George Burns since pre-war days and starred in 'The Burns and Allen Show' on television playing George's zany wife from 1950 to 1958. Also in films.

Rex Alston
1901 - 1994

A former school-master most famous for his cricket commentaries and distinctive voice. Also did rugby, athletics and tennis.

Amos 'N Andy
1907 - 1986 and 1893 - 1969

Act from pre-war U.S. radio when parts played by two white men, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. From 1952 two black actors, Alvin Childress (Amos) and Spencer Williams (Andy) took over on TV. Shown on BBC in the 1950s. Tim Moore played Kingfish on TV but Gosden played him on radio in addition to his role as Amos.

Jean Anderson
1907 - 2001

Actress who made many TV appear-ances from the early 1950s and also appeared in television's 'The Brothers' in the 1970s and in the series 'Tenko'.

Eamonn Andrews
1922 - 1987

Irish-born, former boxer and boxing commentator on Radio Eirann, then BBC sports commentator. Question-master on radio's 'Ignorance Is Bliss' and on BBC TV's popular 'What's My Line' 1951 - 1963. Hosted 'This Is Your Life' 1955 - 1987 after being its first subject and introduced 'Crackerjack' and 'The Eamonn Andrews Show'.

Avril Angers
1918 - 2005

Versatile stage, film, radio and television actress, comedienne, singer, and dancer who appeared in many comedy shows on radio and TV with, among others, Terry-Thomas, Sam Costa and Roy Hudd.

John Arlott
1914 - 1991

Originally a BBC producer who became well known for his cricket commentaries from 1947 to 1980, delivered in his highly distinctive Hampshire accent.

John Arnatt
1917 - 1999

Russian-born, he appeared in radio and television plays and several films. Was the Deputy Sheriff of Nottingham in ITV's 'Robin Hood' in the 1950s.

Yvonne Arnaud
1892 - 1958

French-born actress famous for her comedy roles who appeared on BBC on radio, television and on the stage.

Desi Arnaz
1917 - 1986

Cuban-born singer who formed his own band later teaming up with and marrying Lucille Ball to star as Ricky Ricardo in TV's 'I Love Lucy'.

James Arness
1923 - 2011

U.S. actor most famous for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television western series 'Gun Law'.

Anthea Askey
1933 - 1999

Daughter of Arthur Askey (qv), made her own career on the stage, radio and TV, sometimes appearing with her father.

Arthur Askey
1900 - 1982

One of many comedians hailing from Liverpool, a veteran pantomime, radio, television and film performer. Famous from appearances in radio's 'Band Wagon', Big Hearted Arthur later had his own TV show 'Before Your Very Eyes' the title echoing one of his many catch phrases. Others were: 'Aye thang yew'; 'Doesn't it make you want to spit?' and 'Hello playmates'.

(Sir) David Attenborough
1926 -

Veteran broad-caster, in 'Children's Hour' in 1938, and in the 1950s became a producer of TV talks, then made the BBC's ground-breaking wild-life programme 'Zoo Quest' and many similar prog-rammes. Brother of Richard (Lord) Attenborough.

Winifred Atwell
1914 - 1983

Trinidad-born classically-trained pianist who had several Top Twenty hits in the 1950s.

(Sir) Felix Aylmer
1889 - 1979

Veteran actor on stage and films who made many radio and TV appearances, including 'The Walrus and the Carpenter' with Hugh Griffith (qv) and in 'Oh Brother!' both from the 1960s.