Entertainer. Born the son of Janet Cunningham and John Fyffe. As a boy, he assisted with his father's Penny Geggie (traveling theatre), and he made his stage debut aged six. Prior to the First World War, he toured with Will Haggar, Junior's Castle Theatre company. He made his screen debut in 1914 in a silent film version of the 'The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.' Subsequently, he devoted himself to the music hall, performing in revue with his sketches and song-and-patter. He was at the top of the bill by 1921 when he appeared at the London Pavilion. Soon thereafter, his signature song, 'I Belong to Glasgow' debuted. It would become known internationally. As his fame grew, he became the highest paid music hall performer in Britain. Eventually, he was cast in several character roles in films such as 'Happy' (1933), 'King of Hearts' (1936), 'To the Victor (1938), and 'Annie Laurie' (1939). In 1937, he was invited to appear at the Royal Command performance at the London Palladium. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1942 King's Birthday Honors List for his services to the war effort. In 1947, after ear surgery, he was allowed to recuperate at an hotel, where a loss of equilibrium was blamed for a fall from the hotel room window to his death. His popularity led to his funeral at St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, being included in a Pathe newsreel.
Entertainer. Born the son of Janet Cunningham and John Fyffe. As a boy, he assisted with his father's Penny Geggie (traveling theatre), and he made his stage debut aged six. Prior to the First World War, he toured with Will Haggar, Junior's Castle Theatre company. He made his screen debut in 1914 in a silent film version of the 'The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.' Subsequently, he devoted himself to the music hall, performing in revue with his sketches and song-and-patter. He was at the top of the bill by 1921 when he appeared at the London Pavilion. Soon thereafter, his signature song, 'I Belong to Glasgow' debuted. It would become known internationally. As his fame grew, he became the highest paid music hall performer in Britain. Eventually, he was cast in several character roles in films such as 'Happy' (1933), 'King of Hearts' (1936), 'To the Victor (1938), and 'Annie Laurie' (1939). In 1937, he was invited to appear at the Royal Command performance at the London Palladium. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1942 King's Birthday Honors List for his services to the war effort. In 1947, after ear surgery, he was allowed to recuperate at an hotel, where a loss of equilibrium was blamed for a fall from the hotel room window to his death. His popularity led to his funeral at St. Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, being included in a Pathe newsreel.
Bio by: Iola
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