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Harry Secombe
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Sir Harry Donald Secombe (8 September 1921 – 11 April 2001) was a Welsh actor, comedian, singer and television presenter. Secombe was a member of the British radio comedy programme The Goon Show (1951–1960), playing many characters, most notably Neddie Seagoon. An accomplished baritone, he also appeared in musicals and films – notably as Mr Bumble in Oliver! (1968) – and, in his later years, was a presenter of television shows incorporating hymns and other devotional songs.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Secombe was born in St Thomas, Swansea, the third of four children of Nellie Jane Gladys (née Davies), a shop manageress, and Frederick Ernest Secombe, a travelling salesman and office worker for a Swansea wholesale grocery business.[1][2][3] From the age of 11 he attended Dynevor School, a state grammar school in central Swansea.

His family were regular churchgoers, belonging to the congregation of St Thomas Church. A member of the choir, from the age of 12 Secombe would perform a sketch entitled The Welsh Courtship at church socials, acting as "feed" to his sister Carol. His elder brother, Fred Secombe,[4] became the author of several books about his experiences as an Anglican priest and rector.

Army service

[edit]

After leaving school in 1937, Secombe became a pay clerk at Baldwin's store. With war looming, he decided in 1938 that he would join the Territorial Army. Very short sighted, he got a friend to tell him the sight test, and then learnt it by heart. He served as a Lance Bombardier in No.132 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery.[5] He referred to the unit in which he served during the Second World War in the North African Campaign, Sicily, and Italy, as "The Five-Mile Snipers". While in North Africa Secombe met Spike Milligan for the first time.[6] In Sicily he joined a concert party and developed his own comedy routines to entertain the troops.

When Secombe visited the Falkland Islands to entertain the troops after the 1982 Falklands War, his old regiment promoted him to the rank of sergeant – 37 years after he had been demobbed.[7]

As an entertainer

[edit]

He made his first radio broadcast in May 1944 on a variety show aimed at the military services. Following the end of fighting in the war but prior to demobilisation, Secombe joined a pool of entertainers in Naples and formed a comedy duo with Spike Milligan.[6]

Secombe joined the cast of the Windmill Theatre in 1946, using a routine he had developed in Italy about how people shaved.[5] An early review said that Secombe was "an original humorist of the infectious type and is very funny in a series showing how different men shave and in an impression of a vocalist."[8] Secombe always claimed that his ability to sing could always be counted on to save him when he bombed.

Following a regional touring career, his first break came in radio in 1951 when he was chosen as resident comedian for the Welsh series Welsh Rarebit,[9] followed by appearances on Variety Bandbox and a regular role in Educating Archie.

Secombe met Michael Bentine at the Windmill Theatre, and he was introduced to Peter Sellers by his agent Jimmy Grafton. Together with Spike Milligan, the four wrote a comedy radio script, and Those Crazy People was commissioned[10] and first broadcast on 28 May 1951. Produced by Dennis Main Wilson, this soon became The Goon Show and the show remained on the air until 1960.[5][11] Secombe mainly played Neddie Seagoon, around whom the show's absurd plots developed.[7] In 1955, whilst appearing on The Goon Show, Secombe was approached by the BBC to step in at short notice to take the lead in the radio comedy Hancock's Half Hour.[12] The star of the show, Tony Hancock, had decided to take an unannounced break abroad, on the day before the live airing of the second season. Secombe appeared in the lead for the first three episodes and had a guest role in the fourth after Hancock's return. All four episodes are lost, but following the discovery of the original scripts, the episodes were rerecorded in 2017, with his son, Andrew Secombe performing the role held by his late father.[12][13]

With the success of The Goon Show, Secombe developed a dual career as both a comedy actor and a singer. At the beginning of his career as an entertainer, his act would end with a joke version of the duet Sweethearts, in which he sang both the baritone and falsetto parts. Trained under Italian maestro Manlio di Veroli, he emerged as a baritone and had a long list of best-selling record albums to his credit.[7]

In 1958 he appeared in the film Jet Storm, which starred Dame Sybil Thorndike and Richard Attenborough and in the same year Secombe starred in the title role in Davy, one of Ealing Studios' last films.[7] By this time he was invited to appear on the Royal Command Performance (1958) where he struck up a lifelong friendship with Roy Castle.[14]

The power of his voice allowed Secombe to appear in many stage musicals. This included 1963's Pickwick, based on Charles Dickens's The Pickwick Papers, which gave him the no. 18 hit single "If I Ruled the World" – his later signature tune. In 1965 the show was produced on tour in the United States, where, on Broadway, he garnered a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.[7] Secombe scored his biggest hit single in 1967 with his version of "This Is My Song", which peaked at no. 2 on the charts in March 1967 while a recording by Petula Clark, which had hit no. 1 in February, was still in the top ten. He also appeared in the musical The Four Musketeers (1967) at Drury Lane,[5] as Mr. Bumble in Carol Reed's film of Oliver! (1968),[15] and in the Envy segment of The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins (1971).

He went on to star in his own television show, The Harry Secombe Show, which debuted on Christmas Day 1968 on BBC1 and ran for 31 episodes until 1973. A sketch comedy show featuring Julian Orchard as Secombe's regular sidekick, the series also featured guest appearances by fellow Goon Spike Milligan as well as leading performers such as Ronnie Barker and Arthur Lowe. Secombe later starred in similar vehicles such as Sing a Song of Secombe and ITV's Secombe with Music during the 1970s.[16]

Later career

[edit]

Later in life, Secombe (whose brother Fred Secombe was a priest in the Church in Wales, part of the Anglican Communion) attracted new audiences as a presenter of religious programmes, such as the BBC's Songs of Praise and ITV's Stars on Sunday and Highway. He was also a special programming consultant to Harlech Television[17] and hosted a Thames Television programme in 1979 entitled Cross on the Donkey's Back. In the latter half of the 1980s, Secombe personally sponsored a football team for boys aged 9–11 in the local West Sutton Little League, 'Secombes Knights'.

In 1990, he was one of a few to be honoured by a second appearance on This Is Your Life, when he was surprised by Michael Aspel at a book signing in a London branch of WH Smith. Secombe had been a subject of the show previously in March 1958 when Eamonn Andrews surprised him at the BBC Television Theatre.[18]

Honours

[edit]
A blue plaque commemorating Secombe.

In 1963 he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).[6]

He was knighted in 1981,[19] and jokingly referred to himself as Sir Cumference (in recognition of his rotund figure). The motto he chose for his coat of arms was "GO ON", a reference to goon.[20]

Later life and death

[edit]

Secombe had peritonitis in 1980. Within two years, taking advice from doctors, he had lost five stone in weight.[21] He had a stroke in 1997 and his colon burst, from which he made a slow recovery. He was then diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 1998. Following a second stroke in 1999, he was forced to abandon his television career, but made a documentary about his condition in the hope of giving encouragement to others with the condition.[22] Secombe had diabetes in the latter part of his life.[23]

Secombe died on 11 April 2001 at the age of 79, from prostate cancer, in hospital in Guildford, Surrey.[24] His ashes are interred at the parish church of Shamley Green, and a later memorial service to celebrate his life was held at Westminster Abbey on 26 October 2001. As well as family members and friends, the service was attended by Charles, Prince of Wales and representatives of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. On his tombstone is the inscription: "To know him was to love him."

At Peter Sellers's funeral in 1980, Secombe sang a hymn and Spike Milligan joked: "I hope you die before me because I don't want you singing at my funeral." After Milligan's death in 2002, a recording of Secombe singing Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer was played at Milligan's memorial service.[25]

The Secombe Theatre in Sutton, Greater London, was named after him. He is also fondly remembered at the London Welsh Centre, where he opened the bar on St Patrick's Day (17 March) 1971.[26]

Family

[edit]

Secombe met Myra Joan Atherton at the Mumbles Dance Hall in 1946. The couple were married from 1948 until his death, and had four children:

  • Jennifer Secombe (died 2019),[27] widow of actor Alex Giannini. She was her father's agent in his later years.
  • Andy Secombe, a voice actor, film actor and author
  • David Secombe, a writer and photographer
  • Katy Secombe, an actress[28]

Myra, Lady Secombe died on 7 February 2018, aged 93.[29][30]

Selected works

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • Sacred Songs (1962) UK #16
  • Pickwick (Original Cast Album) (1965)
  • Secombe's Personal Choice (1967) UK #6
  • If I Ruled the World (1971) UK #17
  • The Magnificent Voice of Harry Secombe (1972) AUS #14[32]
  • With a Song In My Heart (1977) AUS #24[32]
  • Captain Beaky and His Band (1977)[33]
  • Bless This House: 20 Songs of Joy (1978) UK #8, AUS #28[32]
  • This Is My Song (1983) AUS #9[32]
  • All Things Bring and Beautiful (1983) AUS #31[32]
  • Songs for Everyone (1986) AUS #43[32]
  • Highway of Life (1986) UK #45
  • Count Your Blessings (1988) AUS #93[32]
  • Yours Sincerely (1991) UK #46[34][35]

Books

[edit]

Fiction

[edit]
  • Twice Brightly (1974) Robson Books ISBN 0903895234
  • Welsh Fargo (1981) Robson Books ISBN 0903895870

Children's

[edit]

Autobiographical

[edit]

Partial filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Director Co-stars Notes
1949 Helter Skelter Alf Ralph Thomas Uncredited
1951 Penny Points to Paradise Harry Flakers Tony Young
1952 Down Among the Z Men Harry Jones Maclean Rogers
1953 Forces' Sweetheart Harry Llewellyn Maclean Rogers
1954 Svengali Barizel Noel Langley Hildegard Knef, Donald Wolfit, Terence Morgan
1957 Davy Davy Morgan Michael Relph Ron Randell, Susan Shaw, Alexander Knox
1959 Jet Storm Binky Meadows Cy Endfield Richard Attenborough, Stanley Baker
1968 Oliver! Mr. Bumble Carol Reed
1969 The Bed Sitting Room Shelter Man Richard Lester
1969 Pickwick Mr. Pickwick Terry Hughes Roy Castle, Hattie Jacques
1970 Doctor in Trouble Llewellyn Wendover Ralph Thomas
1970 Song of Norway Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson Andrew L. Stone
1971 The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins Stanley Graham Stark (segment "Envy")
1972 Sunstruck Stanley Evans James Gilbert

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Harry Secombe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sir Harry Donald Secombe CBE (8 September 1921 – 11 April 2001) was a Welsh comedian, actor, singer, and television presenter, renowned for his exuberant tenor voice and comic timing, particularly as the character Neddie Seagoon in the influential BBC radio series The Goon Show. Born in Swansea, Wales, to a family of modest means, Secombe developed an early interest in singing through local church choirs and later worked as a clerk in a colliery before enlisting in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, where he served in the North African Campaign and Italy. After the war, Secombe began his entertainment career at the in in 1946, where he met fellow performers , , and , leading to the formation of in 1951, a groundbreaking surreal comedy program that ran until 1960 and shaped British humor. He expanded into musical theater, starring as Mr. Pickwick in the 1963 West End production of Pickwick, which earned him a Tony Award nomination and featured his hit recording of "," and later as in the 1968 film Oliver!. Secombe also appeared in films such as Jet Storm (1959) and Song of Norway (1970), and hosted his own variety show from 1968 to 1973. In his later career, Secombe became a prominent broadcaster of religious programs, presenting ITV's from 1983 to 1993 and the BBC's in the 1990s, reflecting his devout Christian faith. He authored two comic novels—Twice Brightly (1974) and Welsh Fargo (1981)—and two autobiographies, and was appointed Commander of the in 1963 before being knighted in 1981 for his services to entertainment. Secombe, who battled and , died in , , leaving a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved entertainers.

Early life and military service

Childhood and family background

Harry Secombe was born on 8 September 1921 in rooms in the Danygraig area of St Thomas, , , the third of four children born to Frederick Ernest Secombe, a grocer, and Nellie Jane Gladys (née Davies), a shop manageress. The family later relocated to a council house in St Thomas, where they enjoyed a stable and supportive home environment amid the working-class community of . His older brother Fred (later an Anglican clergyman and Prebendary of ) and sister Carol were close companions in childhood, with the siblings often engaging in playful performances together, such as sketches at church socials where Carol served as his "feed" in acts like The Welsh Courtship. The Secombes were devout churchgoers at St Thomas Church, a central influence on young Harry's upbringing that immersed the family in music and communal activities. At the age of seven, Secombe joined the church choir, where he discovered his natural voice and began performing solos annually on his birthday, an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for singing. These church involvements, combined with participation in local eisteddfods—traditional Welsh festivals celebrating arts and culture—provided early platforms for his emerging talents in music and entertainment. From an early age, Secombe exhibited a flair for and , frequently re-enacting Sunday church services at home with his brother Fred in the late , turning religious rituals into humorous family entertainments. This blend of musical training and playful improvisation, set against the backdrop of Swansea's vibrant Welsh heritage, nurtured his humorous personality and creative spirit, laying the foundation for his future career without formal training at that stage. The close-knit family dynamic, emphasizing community and expression through church and cultural events, profoundly shaped his formative years up to age 11.

Education and early ambitions

Secombe attended Dynevor School, a state grammar school in central , from 1932 to 1937, beginning at the age of 11. There, he excelled in English but struggled significantly with , often playing the fool in class to avoid . His family's encouragement of musical pursuits, including his role as a at St Thomas Church from an early age, fostered an interest in performance that extended to school activities. Secombe's early comedic talents emerged through church and school events, where he performed sketches such as The Welsh Courtship as the to his sister and mimicked entertainers like Sandy Powell during Bible readings. These experiences honed his flair for impressions and humor, which he later demonstrated by entertaining audiences at local talent shows and church socials with celebrity mimicry. After leaving in 1937 at age 16, Secombe took up as a junior pay clerk at Baldwin's, a firm in , earning 10 shillings weekly. In this role, he continued to develop his comedic skills by imitating his superiors to amuse colleagues, though his primary focus remained on clerical duties amid the economic challenges of the time.

World War II service

Secombe enlisted in the Territorial Army in 1938 and was mobilized for full-time service with the in 1939 at the age of 18, shortly after the outbreak of war. He completed initial training at the depot in before being assigned to the 132nd Field Regiment , where he served as a lance bombardier. His unit deployed to in 1942, where Secombe acted as a gunner and signals operator during the Allied campaign against German and Italian forces in and surrounding areas. In 1943, following the Axis defeat in , the regiment participated in the invasion of before transferring to mainland as part of the 78th Division's advance up the peninsula. Secombe participated in intense combat operations, including the prolonged and brutal from January to May 1944, which involved heavy artillery barrages and assaults to dislodge entrenched German positions atop the abbey ruins. Amid the hardships of frontline service, Secombe discovered his flair for by joining concert parties and troop shows to boost among his comrades. He developed early routines featuring exaggerated impressions, songs, and his signature high-pitched laugh, often performing in makeshift venues under fire. In , he had a fateful encounter with fellow gunner after a near-miss incident, forging an immediate bond; the pair later reunited in through Combined Services , collaborating on sketches and revues that refined their absurd humor and laid the groundwork for postwar collaborations.

Entertainment career

Entry into show business

Following his demobilization from the in April 1946, Harry Secombe relocated to to pursue a career in , determined to avoid returning to a conventional job in . In the city, he initially struggled, taking odd jobs and even sleeping on park benches while persistently auditioning for stage opportunities. These early hardships built on his wartime experience entertaining troops through concert parties, where he had first honed his comedic talents and met . Secombe's first professional break came later that year at the , where he secured a spot as a performing a routine he had developed in about various ways people shaved, providing between the venue's famous nude tableaux. This engagement marked his entry into paid variety performance and led to encounters with key figures in , including , whom he met at the theatre through shared performances and agent connections. Building on this success, Secombe embarked on variety tours across the , incorporating his blend of comedy sketches and singing into club and theatre appearances, which expanded his reputation and network in the post-war entertainment scene. By 1948, Secombe transitioned into radio, making his broadcasting debut on BBC programs and establishing himself as the resident comedian on Variety Bandbox, a popular variety show that allowed him to refine his character voices, humorous monologues, and tenor singing in a professional medium. These appearances, following his stage work, solidified his versatility as a performer and paved the way for further opportunities in broadcasting up to the early 1950s.

Radio comedy and The Goon Show

Harry Secombe's breakthrough in radio comedy came with the formation of the ensemble that produced , initially launched as on 28 May 1951 on the . The program featured Secombe alongside , , and , drawing on their wartime camaraderie to create a surreal, anarchic style of humor that broke from traditional British radio comedy formats. Bentine departed after the second series in 1952, leaving the core trio of Secombe, Milligan, and Sellers to carry the show forward, with occasional guest appearances by others such as in later years. Secombe primarily portrayed Neddie Seagoon, the optimistic yet gullible who served as the hapless in the show's absurd narratives, often stumbling into ridiculous predicaments with wide-eyed enthusiasm. While the shared multiple roles, Secombe's contributed significantly to the program's absurd humor, including his adept use of for minor characters and his integration of through vocal exaggeration. The Goons innovated with sound effects, employing creative, low-budget techniques like coconut shells for footsteps or live orchestrations for chaotic scenes, which Secombe helped execute during recordings to enhance the surreal atmosphere. The series ran from 1951 to 1960, comprising 197 episodes across nine series on the , supplemented by specials that extended its reach. This longevity allowed the Goons to refine their formula of , non-sequiturs, and satirical jabs at authority, profoundly influencing surreal in Britain and beyond. The show's impact is evident in its inspiration for later acts like , whose members cited the Goons' boundary-pushing absurdity as a foundational influence. Behind the scenes, the production was marked by spontaneous ad-libbing, with Secombe, Sellers, and Milligan frequently deviating from scripts to heighten comedic timing, though this sometimes led to tensions, particularly as Milligan, the primary , struggled with the and suffered nervous breakdowns. Secombe also fulfilled a dual role as the program's singer, performing lighthearted interludes and songs between sketches, often accompanied by the Quartet or Max Geldray's harmonica, which provided brief musical respites amid .

Music and recording career

Secombe's voice first gained recognition during his army service in , where he performed in troop concerts in and , blending comedy with song to entertain fellow soldiers. After the war, he trained under Italian maestro Manlio di Veroli to develop his vocal technique. He sang a duet from with at a party in in 1959, and was offered the role of Bardolph in Verdi's Falstaff but declined to focus on his comedy career. His recording career took off with in the late 1950s, yielding over 20 albums that showcased his versatile in classical, popular, and sacred repertoire. Notable chart success included the single "" from the musical Pickwick, which peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart in 1963 and became one of his signature songs. Another hit, "This Is My Song" reached number 2 in 1967. Secombe later recorded for , producing additional best-selling collections that emphasized his warm, resonant delivery. "This Nearly Was Mine" from South Pacific appeared on his 1959 album Show Souvenirs, though it did not chart prominently. Secombe specialized in hymns, oratorios, and Welsh folk songs, often collaborating with major orchestras and choirs to highlight his lyrical style. He frequently performed and recorded excerpts from Handel's Messiah, including arias like "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted," and contributed to Royal Command Performances with sacred works. His affinity for Welsh music shone in albums like Songs of My Homeland, featuring traditional pieces such as "Myfanwy" and "We'll Keep a Welcome," often backed by male voice choirs like the Treorchy Male Choir. Although his comedy commitments limited full operatic pursuits, Secombe recorded operatic arias like "" from Puccini's , underscoring his classical training, though he prioritized variety and broadcasting. His discography, spanning and , included numerous best-sellers and established him as a beloved recording artist in both sacred and secular genres.

Film and television roles

Secombe made his film debut in the 1949 British comedy Helter Skelter, directed by , where he played the supporting role of Alf in a whimsical story involving a socialite's persistent hiccups and a ghostly cupid. His breakthrough role came in the 1958 production Davy, directed by Michael Relph, portraying Davy Morgan, a talented singer from a family variety act who defies tradition to audition for a renowned amid competitive tensions. This performance showcased his comedic timing and vocal abilities, marking a transition from radio to screen stardom. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Secombe amassed over 20 film credits, often blending his signature humor with musical elements and occasional dramatic turns. Notable appearances include Jet Storm (1959), a tense disaster thriller directed by , in which he played the affable Binky Meadows, a passenger aboard a doomed . He took on villainous comedic roles in musical adaptations, such as , the , in Carol Reed's Oliver! (1968), a lavish screen version of the Lionel Bart stage show based on ' novel. Other highlights encompass the surreal post-apocalyptic satire The Bed Sitting Room (), directed by , where he appeared as the Shelter Man in a dystopian tale of mutation and absurdity; the silent short comedy (), written and directed by , featuring Secombe alongside Sykes and in a golfing farce; and the biographical musical Song of Norway (1970), directed by , depicting the life of composer with Secombe in a supporting role. In these works, Secombe's portrayals ranged from lighthearted characters to more poignant figures, demonstrating versatility beyond his Goon Show persona. On television, Secombe was a frequent performer on the long-running variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium during the 1950s and early 1960s, contributing sketches, songs, and comedy routines that capitalized on his energetic stage presence. He hosted his own variety series, Secombe and Friends, which aired in 1967 on ITV, featuring guest stars like Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones in a mix of musical numbers and comedic segments. Additionally, he made guest appearances on popular comedy programs, including a cameo in the 1970 special episode "The Goodies Rule – O.K.?" of The Goodies, where he joined other entertainers in a satirical plot about faded celebrities. These television roles further solidified his reputation as a multifaceted entertainer in visual media.

Later career and recognition

Stage work and variety performances

Following the success of The Goon Show, which concluded in 1960, Harry Secombe embarked on a series of variety tours across the UK in the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing his blend of comedy sketches, impressions, and vocal performances in theaters and music halls. These tours often featured post-war humor reminiscent of his radio work, drawing large audiences eager for his exuberant stage presence. Secombe's prominence in variety led to multiple appearances at the Royal Variety Performance, including in 1956 at the London Coliseum, where he performed alongside Frankie Vaughan and Vera Lynn; in 1961 at the Prince of Wales Theatre with Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball; and in 1966 at the London Palladium. Secombe's stage musical career flourished in the later decades, beginning with his titular role as Samuel Pickwick in the West End production of Pickwick at the Saville Theatre, which opened on 4 July 1963 and ran for 694 performances until February 1965. The musical, adapted from Charles Dickens's The Pickwick Papers with music by Cyril Ornadel and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, highlighted Secombe's comic timing and tenor voice in numbers like "If I Ruled the World." He reprised the role in a 1993 revival at the Chichester Festival Theatre, marking the show's 30th anniversary with a tour that emphasized his enduring affinity for the character. In 1967, Secombe starred as d'Artagnan in the musical The Four Musketeers! at the Drury Lane Theatre, a lighthearted adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's novel that ran for 462 performances until January 1969, incorporating swashbuckling comedy and songs such as "Think Big." Throughout his career, Secombe frequently appeared in one-man shows and pantomimes, where he combined , operatic arias, and character impressions to engage live audiences. These solo outings, often titled variations of Harry Secombe at the Piano or similar, allowed him to showcase his versatility in intimate theater settings during the and . He also starred in traditional pantomimes during holiday seasons, where his and audience interaction became highlights. These performances typically blended festive with his Goon-era , such as exaggerated impressions of fellow comedians. Secombe extended his stage work internationally in the 1970s, touring and with shows that adapted elements of for the live format, including sketches and songs performed to enthusiastic crowds in major cities like and . These tours, spanning multiple visits through the decade, reinforced his global appeal as a multifaceted entertainer.

Religious broadcasting and writings

Secombe's devout Christian faith, rooted in his upbringing as a at St Thomas Church in , profoundly shaped his later career, leading him to incorporate inspirational and religious themes into his work from the onward. This commitment marked a shift toward content that blended his comedic talents with , reflecting a personal deepening of evangelical beliefs that emphasized outreach and personal testimony. In 1983, Secombe began hosting ITV's , a Sunday evening religious travelogue series that aired until 1993 and featured over 300 episodes exploring Britain's holy sites, cathedrals, and communities through hymns, interviews, and light-hearted reflections on faith. The program, which covered more than 25,000 miles across the , often started from locations like and combined Secombe's tenor singing with visits to places of worship, aiming to inspire viewers with stories of spiritual journeys and community devotion. Secombe extended his religious contributions through writings that shared his faith experiences, including the book (1987), a collection of reflections, prayers, and anecdotes drawn from the Highway series to encourage Christian living. He followed this with The Second Highway Companion (1990), further exploring themes of pilgrimage and divine guidance, and contributed occasional columns to Christian publications that used his humorous style to discuss biblical principles and personal spirituality. Throughout his later years, Secombe engaged in charitable efforts tied to his faith, raising substantial funds for the restoration of —where he served as a lay canon—and Swansea's Guildhall, often employing his signature wit in events and appeals to promote Christian causes and community support. These initiatives highlighted his use of humor as a tool for , making religious accessible and engaging.

Honours and awards

Secombe's contributions to entertainment and charity were formally recognized through several British honours. In the 1963 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed Commander of the (CBE) for his services to entertainment and charity. This award highlighted his early involvement in charitable efforts, including performances for veterans' causes during and after his service. Later, in the 1981 Queen's , he was appointed for services to entertainment and charity, becoming Sir Harry Secombe. He received the honour at in November 1981. In recognition of his cultural ties to Wales, Secombe was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) by the University of Wales in 1985. He received the Freedom of the City of Swansea in 1988, honouring his Swansea roots and lifelong promotion of Welsh heritage. Additionally, Secombe earned accolades at the as a youth for his singing, establishing his early musical prowess in Welsh cultural traditions.

Personal life and death

Marriage and family

Harry Secombe married Joan Atherton in 1948 in , , and the couple remained together until his death in 2001, sharing a devoted partnership of over 50 years. Myra died in 2017. The Secombes had four children: Jennifer, born in 1949; (known as Andy), born in 1953; , born in 1962; and (also known as Katherine), born in 1967. Jennifer died in 2019. The family made their home in , , where the children grew up in a close-knit environment centered on Secombe's strong Christian faith, with regular and shared values shaping their daily life. Myra provided steadfast support throughout Secombe's , helping to maintain balance amid his professional demands, while their eldest daughter, Jennifer, later served as his agent, managing bookings and in his later years. Several of the children also engaged with the world, reflecting the family's artistic inclinations; Andy became a prominent and voice artist, known for roles in and , and Katy pursued a as a singer and , occasionally sharing the stage with her father. The Secombes enjoyed an extended family life enriched by grandchildren, including three from Jennifer's first marriage—Harriet, Emily, and Sam—who often visited and participated in family traditions. This supportive, faith-oriented household offered Secombe a grounding refuge, allowing him to balance his public persona with private joys.

Health issues and death

In 1997, Secombe suffered a from which he made a slow recovery. In the summer of 1998, he was diagnosed with and underwent a series of radiotherapy treatments as part of a prolonged battle against the disease. Secombe also managed during his later years. In 1999, he experienced a second that forced him to retire from television work, leading to a partial withdrawal from public life while he focused on recovery. Despite his health challenges, he made occasional light appearances, including announcing his retirement at a charity tournament in September 1999, which may have been one of his final public outings. Secombe died on 11 April 2001 at the age of 79 from prostate cancer in a hospital in Guildford, Surrey. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. His funeral service took place on 20 April 2001 at St Nicolas Church in Cranleigh, Surrey, attended by over 200 mourners including showbusiness figures such as Bruce Forsyth, Jimmy Tarbuck, and Barry Cryer. The service featured tributes from family and a performance by a male voice choir, followed by a private cremation. Throughout his illnesses, Secombe drew strength from his deep Christian , which he often described as a source of comfort and resilience in the face of . This belief, central to his later broadcasting work, helped him endure his health struggles with characteristic optimism.

Legacy and selected works

Cultural impact and memorials

Harry Secombe's participation in played a pivotal role in shaping , with the program's surreal humor and innovative sound effects inspiring later British acts including and . of has cited the show as a formative influence, praising its absurdity and character-driven sketches that broke from traditional comedy formats. , particularly , echoed this admiration, with Lennon reviewing Goon scripts and incorporating similar whimsical elements into their early recordings and banter. This legacy extends to modern comedy, where the show's rapid-fire dialogue and audio experimentation resonate in podcasts like those exploring absurdist narratives, paving the way for audio-based humor in the digital era. The has preserved and re-released The episodes through archival broadcasts on Radio 4 Extra, ensuring Secombe's comedic contributions remain accessible to new audiences via radio and streaming platforms like . These efforts highlight the show's enduring appeal, with over 200 surviving episodes from its 1951–1960 run continuing to draw listeners interested in mid-20th-century British satire. As a native and accomplished , Secombe bolstered the Welsh tradition of male voice choirs and operatic singing, performing hymns and arias that celebrated his cultural roots, such as collaborations with groups like the Male Choir. His recordings and stage appearances promoted the emotive style of Welsh s, influencing subsequent performers in the genre and reinforcing national pride in vocal heritage. Memorials to Secombe in Swansea include a blue plaque unveiled in 2004 at St. Thomas Church, where he served as a boy chorister, commemorating his early start in entertainment. The National Library of Wales holds an extensive archive of his materials, shared publicly on his centenary in 2021 to honor his contributions to Welsh arts. Posthumously, Secombe was featured on stamps in 2012 as part of a set marking the Goon Show's legacy, alongside fellow cast members and . The BBC aired a special following his 2001 death, reflecting on his multifaceted career in comedy and music. Secombe's hosting of the ITV religious series Highway from 1983 to 1993 exemplified accessible faith entertainment, blending hymns, interviews, and travelogues to reach broad audiences during Sunday evening slots. Episodes of Highway remain available through archival uploads and collections, sustaining its role in by showcasing Secombe's warm, inclusive approach to spiritual content. This format influenced later by prioritizing personal stories and music over didactic preaching, a model echoed in contemporary programs.

Discography

Harry Secombe's discography encompasses a wide range of recordings as a singer, with a strong emphasis on sacred and music, alongside comedy cast albums from his work with . His releases, primarily through and later , include solo vocal performances, orchestral accompaniments, and collaborative efforts that highlight his operatic style and Welsh heritage.

Key Singles

Secombe achieved modest success on the UK Singles Chart with several releases, peaking highest with "This Is My Song" in 1967. Notable charting singles include:
TitleYearUK Peak PositionLabel
"On with the Motley" (Vesti la giubba)195516
"If I Ruled the World"196318
"This Is My Song"19672
Additionally, Secombe recorded the Welsh "Land of My Fathers" () on a 1958 EP with Wally Stott and His Orchestra and Chorus, featuring English translations of traditional Welsh songs, underscoring his cultural roots.

Albums

Secombe's album output focused on vocal standards, sacred repertoire, and live performances, with over 30 long-playing records issued between the late 1950s and 1980s. Early examples include At Your Request (1958, Philips), a collection of popular songs arranged by Wally Stott. His sacred music series began with Sacred Songs (1961, Philips), featuring hymns like "The Holy City" and "Bless This House," followed by volumes such as Sacred Songs Vol. 2 (1960 EP, Philips) and later entries extending into the 1980s, often with choral and orchestral backing. In the comedy realm, Secombe contributed to The Goon Show cast albums during the 1970s, including The Best of the Goon Shows No. 2 (1972, Parlophone) with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan, compiling radio scripts with musical interludes, and First Men on the Goon (1971, BBC Records), a scripted comedy release. Live concert records, such as Bless This House (20 Songs of Joy) (1978, Warwick Records, UK #8), captured his tenor performances in variety settings.

Compilations and Reissues

Posthumous and retrospective compilations preserved Secombe's legacy in the and beyond, often reissuing his and work on CD. The Very Best of Harry Secombe (1997, Karrusel/Universal), a double-disc set, includes hits like "This Is My Song" and sacred tracks such as "," drawing from his catalog. Other reissues, like Songs of Inspiration (1999, ), compile inspirational from his 1960s–1980s recordings. Secombe's overall includes approximately 50 singles and 40 albums from to 1998, predominantly in the and genres.

Bibliography

Harry Secombe authored twelve books between 1974 and 1998, spanning autobiographical accounts, fiction, , and miscellaneous works that often reflected his humor, , and travels.

Autobiographical works

Secombe's autobiographical books chronicled his life, career milestones, and religious convictions. Twice Brightly (1974, W.H. Allen), his debut book, recounts his childhood in , service, and early entry into variety and radio entertainment. Goon for Lunch (1975, M.J. Hobbs) humorously details his experiences with and the comedic troupe's antics. Goon Abroad (1982, Robson Books) extends the narrative to his international tours and post-war career developments. Arias and Raspberries (1989, Robson Books), the first volume of a later series, covers his childhood, days, and rise to fame through and song. Strawberries and Cheam (1997, Robson Books), the second volume, picks up from 1951 and explores his success, family life, and deepening .

Fiction

Secombe ventured into fiction with novels blending humor and historical or adventurous elements. Welsh Fargo (1981, Robson Books) is a comedic tale set in 1930s , revolving around a colliery wages plot with satirical undertones.

Children's books

Secombe's children's books featured whimsical, illustrated stories infused with his Welsh heritage and playful imagination. Katy and the Nurgla (1980, ), a Young Puffin title, follows a girl's adventure in Majorca involving a mischievous . The Nurgla's Magic Tear (1991, Andersen Press) serves as a sequel, continuing the fantastical escapades of Katy and the creature.

Other works

Secombe's miscellaneous publications included practical guides and companions tied to his . The Harry Secombe Diet Book (1983, Futura Publications) offers humorous advice on and weight management drawn from his own experiences. Harry Secombe's Highway (1984, Robson ) accompanies his series, providing insights and anecdotes from explorations of Britain's highways and byways. The Second Highway Companion (1988, Robson ) expands on the theme with additional routes, historical notes, and personal reflections.

Filmography

Harry Secombe's film and television career began in the late 1940s and continued until the early 1990s, encompassing comedic cameos, leading roles in musicals and comedies, and hosting duties on variety and religious programs. Over this period, he accumulated more than 15 film credits and dozens of television appearances, often blending his singing talent with humor.

Films

Secombe's cinematic debut came with a small uncredited role in the British comedy Helter Skelter (1949), where he played Alf, marking his entry into screen acting shortly after his radio success. He followed this with a supporting part as Harry Flakers in the low-budget comedy Penny Points to Paradise (1951). In 1952, he appeared as Harry in Down Among the Z Men, a film adaptation featuring characters from the radio series The Goon Show. Secombe took on a leading role as the aspiring opera singer Davy Morgan in the musical drama Davy (1958), showcasing his vocal abilities in a story about a music hall performer's ambitions. The next year, he portrayed the cheerful entertainer Binky Meadows in the thriller Jet Storm (1959), a tense drama set aboard a hijacked airliner. One of his most notable film roles was as the pompous beadle Mr. Bumble in the musical adaptation Oliver! (1968), earning praise for his comic timing opposite Ron Moody's Fagin. He continued with a surreal turn as the Shelter Man in Richard Lester's post-apocalyptic satire The Bed Sitting Room (1969). In 1970, Secombe played Llewellyn Wendover in the comedy Doctor in Trouble, part of the long-running Doctor series. That same year, he appeared as the poet Bioernstjerne Bjoernson in the biographical musical Song of Norway. Secombe's film work culminated in the 1970s with roles in anthology comedy (1971), where he embodied Mr. Lust in the "Lust" segment, and as the lead Stanley Evans, a Welsh schoolteacher relocating to , in Sunstruck (1972).
YearTitleRoleNotes
1949Helter SkelterAlfUncredited cameo
1951Penny Points to ParadiseHarry FlakersSupporting
1952Down Among the Z MenHarryGoon Show tie-in
1958DavyDavy MorganLead, musical elements
1959Jet StormBinky MeadowsComedy-thriller
1968Musical adaptation
1969The Bed Sitting RoomShelter ManSatire
1970Llewellyn WendoverComedy series entry
1970Song of NorwayBioernstjerne BjoernsonBiographical musical
1971Mr. LustSegment role
1972SunstruckStanley EvansLead comedy

Television

Secombe's television presence was extensive, starting with guest spots on variety programs in the late and evolving into starring series. Although Variety Bandbox originated as a radio show, Secombe contributed to early variety broadcasts in a similar vein during 1948–1950, performing comedy sketches and songs. He hosted Secombe and Friends (1966), a series featuring musical guests and sketches. In 1967, he starred in episodes of music-variety formats that highlighted his singing, leading into his long-running The Harry Secombe Show (1968–1973), which combined comedy, music, and celebrity guests across 31 episodes. Later, Secombe provided voice work as a character in the animated fantasy The Water Babies (1978), contributing to its whimsical underwater sequences. He made guest appearances on popular sketch shows, including The Two Ronnies in the 1980s, where he participated in comedic sketches with Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. From 1983 to 1993, Secombe hosted the religious program Highway, a long-running ITV series that featured hymns, interviews, and travelogues from UK locations, reflecting his devout faith. Overall, Secombe's TV credits exceed 50, spanning variety, comedy, and inspirational content from 1948 to 1993.

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