Radio and Television Personalities U and V

Robert Urquhart
1921 - 1995

Scottish-born actor who began on stage and then in films and in TV plays. Also in 'The Vital Spark' in 1965 and later series, and 'The Pathfinders' (1972). Played many character parts in films.

(Sir) Peter Ustinov
1921 - 2004

Actor, writer, director, producer and author who first appeared on BBC television in 'Peer Gynt' in 1954. Starred with Peter Jones (qv) in 'In All Directions' from 1952 to 1955. A noted raconteur and multi-lingualist he also acted on stage and in many films, also writing books, plays and scripts and became Chancellor of Durham University in his later years.

Dickie Valentine
1929 - 1971

Singer popular in the 1950s who began with Ted Heath's (qv) Band in 1949, adopting the name Valentine. Previously appeared in films as child actor Richard Bryce. Able to impersonate famous singers, he had some hit records and appeared in 'The Dickie Valentine Show' on ATV in 1957.

Beatrice Varley
1896 - 1964

Actress who played character parts and became a familiar face in films and 1950s TV.

Frankie Vaughan
1928 - 1999

One of the UK's most popular singers who had several hit records and appeared on TV frequently, including 'The Frankie Vaughan Show' in 1966. Did much charity work and also made some films.

Malcolm Vaughan
1929 - 2010

Welsh-born singer who started as an actor but eventually turned to singing and had several hit records in the 1950s.

Jerry Verno
1895 - 1975

Actor who started as a singer in variety and went on to act on stage, in films, and on TV.

Charles Victor
1896 - 1965

Character actor with a distinctive gruff voice who had a long stage, radio, TV and film career.