Looking Back - George Formby Dies
On this day in 1961 the death was announced of George Formby, one of Britain's most popular entertainers, at the age of 56. Lancashire born Formby, was the star of several black and white films during the 1930's and 1940's. In an age before television, he was voted most popular star of the 'silver screen' for six consecutive years. British cinema-goers flocked to see the good natured imbecile in films like 'Spare a Copper' and 'George in Civvy Street'. In real life Formby was anything but an imbecile, his trademark toothy grin and ukulele, earning him £35,000 per film (huge money in the 1940's) and amassing him a personal fortune. Born George Hoy Booth in Wigan in 1904 he was the son of Lancashire's most famous music hall star who first adopted the name Formby for the stage. Son George had ambitions to be a jockey, but weight gain ruled out a racing career. Instead he followed in his father's footsteps, making his debut on the stage at the age of 17. He was the 'ukulele king' and entertained audiences with songs like 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' and his catchphrase 'Turned out nice again'. Formby topped the bill at several Royal Command performances at the London Palladium. Heart problems caused him to retire in 1952, though he continued to appear in occasional stage and pantomime shows. Formby had been married to Beryl his long time wife of 36 years. Within two months of her death Formby announced his surprise engagement to Patricia Howson, 36. Shortly afterwards he suffered a fatal heart attack at the home of his fiancee, they were due to marry within weeks. In a will, made a few days before his death ,George Formby left most of his £140,000 fortune to Patricia Howson. He left nothing to his family. Eventually, after six years of legal wrangling, an out-of -court settlement was reached which gave £5,000 to Formby's mother and £2,000 to each of his three sisters. In 1964 Patricia Howson sold jewellery given to her by Formby, saying she needed the money to pay her legal bills. Ms Howson died in 1971 leaving £20,000. Following his death, George Formby became a cult figure, with hundreds of fan clubs all around the world.
On this day in 1961 the death was announced of George Formby, one of Britain's most popular entertainers, at the age of 56. Lancashire born Formby, was the star of several black and white films during the 1930's and 1940's. In an age before television, he was voted most popular star of the 'silver screen' for six consecutive years. British cinema-goers flocked to see the good natured imbecile in films like 'Spare a Copper' and 'George in Civvy Street'. In real life Formby was anything but an imbecile, his trademark toothy grin and ukulele, earning him £35,000 per film (huge money in the 1940's) and amassing him a personal fortune. Born George Hoy Booth in Wigan in 1904 he was the son of Lancashire's most famous music hall star who first adopted the name Formby for the stage. Son George had ambitions to be a jockey, but weight gain ruled out a racing career. Instead he followed in his father's footsteps, making his debut on the stage at the age of 17. He was the 'ukulele king' and entertained audiences with songs like 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' and his catchphrase 'Turned out nice again'. Formby topped the bill at several Royal Command performances at the London Palladium. Heart problems caused him to retire in 1952, though he continued to appear in occasional stage and pantomime shows. Formby had been married to Beryl his long time wife of 36 years. Within two months of her death Formby announced his surprise engagement to Patricia Howson, 36. Shortly afterwards he suffered a fatal heart attack at the home of his fiancee, they were due to marry within weeks. In a will, made a few days before his death ,George Formby left most of his £140,000 fortune to Patricia Howson. He left nothing to his family. Eventually, after six years of legal wrangling, an out-of -court settlement was reached which gave £5,000 to Formby's mother and £2,000 to each of his three sisters. In 1964 Patricia Howson sold jewellery given to her by Formby, saying she needed the money to pay her legal bills. Ms Howson died in 1971 leaving £20,000. Following his death, George Formby became a cult figure, with hundreds of fan clubs all around the world.
