Kenny Cantor (15 November 1938 – 10 September 2019) was an English entertainer, comedian, producer, and Prince Rat, whose career in variety and live entertainment spanned more than seven decades. Born in Leicester, he was the fifth generation of his family to work in show business.
The son of entertainers Terry and Adele Cantor, Kenny first appeared in the circus ring at the age of four, learning acrobatics and clowning from his grandfather, Jeff Mandel. As a teenager he became an accomplished acrobat, juggler, and clown before moving into variety entertainment, following in his father’s footsteps.
Throughout his career, Cantor performed around the world and appeared at many of the leading theatres and venues of his era. His work included Royal Command performances, appearances at the London Palladium and Sydney Opera House, and starring on the maiden world cruise of the QE2. He also hosted his own television version of Play Your Cards Rightin New Zealand.
Known as an all-round entertainer in the true variety tradition, his act combined comedy, storytelling, audience interaction, and musical performance. He worked alongside many major names in entertainment, including Harry Secombe, Frankie Vaughan, Val Doonican, and Howard Keel.
Kenny also enjoyed a long association with pantomime and summer entertainment, appearing in more than 50 pantomimes during his career. Alongside his wife Caron, he produced and choreographed entertainment around the world, particularly within the cruise industry.
Away from the stage, the Cantor family established theatre schools and centres of performing arts in Suffolk from 1981 onwards, helping to train and encourage young performers.
An active member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, Kenny Cantor served as Prince Rat in 2018 and remained deeply involved in charitable and entertainment work throughout his life. He died on 10 September 2019 at the age of 81
Additional Biography information provided by Water Rat Steve Barclay
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