Bobby Howes - Biography

Biography

He started his career in revues, but his career was interrupted for World War I where he soldiered on the Western Front. He suffered a German mustard gas attack but recovered and returned to the stage. He became a big hit with the breakout role-reversal comedy based on Cinderella called Mr. Cinders, opposite Binnie Hale whom he starred opposite many times throughout their careers. He reprised his title role in Mr. Cinders in several different productions. He was a musical comedy star on the West End primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, but had a full career on the stage throughout his life, also playing in Broadway theatre, as well as in films until he retired in the late 1960s. He is the father of actress Sally Ann Howes and Peter Howes from his marriage to Patricia Malone.

During World War II, he worked in the sub-basement of the London Control Room of the BBC as a Senior Control Room Engineer on shift "D."

In the 1930s, he was with Van Phillips' Four Bright Sparks whose vocalists included Billy Milton and Ray Starita. Four Bright Sparks recorded at least 60 sides. One of his most acclaimed roles was as the title role in the 1960 revival of Finian's Rainbow .

One of his favorite pastimes and hobbies was carpentry.

He died on 27 April 1972 in London, England.

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