Dick Emery was one of Britain's most recognisable television comedians, entertaining audiences for over three decades through radio, television, film and stage appearances.
Born Richard Gilbert Emery in Bloomsbury, London, on 19 February 1915, he came from a showbusiness family, with his parents performing as the comedy double act Callan and Emery.
Following service with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, Emery developed a successful career in theatre, radio and television. His versatility as a performer quickly established him as one of Britain's leading character comedians.
He achieved national fame through The Dick Emery Show, which ran on BBC television from 1963 until 1981. The series showcased his extraordinary ability to create and portray a wide range of comic characters, many of whom became firmly embedded in British popular culture. Among his best-known creations were Mandy, Clarence, Lampwick and the buck-toothed vicar. His famous catchphrase, “Ooh, you are awful... but I like you!”, became one of the most recognisable lines in British television comedy.
At the height of his popularity, Emery's programmes attracted audiences of many millions and established him as one of the BBC's most successful entertainment personalities of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1972 he was named BBC Television Personality of the Year.
Alongside his television success, Emery appeared in numerous films, including The Fast Lady, The Wrong Arm of the Law, Loot and Ooh... You Are Awful. He also contributed voice performances to the acclaimed animated film Yellow Submarine.
Later in his career, Emery expanded into comedy-drama and mystery productions, demonstrating his range beyond the sketch-show format that had made him famous.
Dick Emery passed away in London on 2 January 1983 at the age of 67. He remains remembered as one of the defining character comedians of post-war British television, whose unique blend of humour, characterisation and comic timing brought laughter to generations of audiences.
Water Rats Connection: Dick Emery was a distinguished member of the Grand Order of Water Rats and is remembered as one of the Order's most celebrated comedy performers, whose contribution to British entertainment left a lasting legacy.
PHOTO GALLERY
ARCHIVE VAULT
MEDIA
