Comedian. Described as "a forgotten king of British TV comedy," he was born in West London, the only child of a baker. Before the Second World War, he had various laboring jobs and appeared on stage with little success; then, during the conflict, he entertained the forces. He became popular on radio in a program called "Stand Easy" (1946 to 1949), but then seemed to vanish until 1956, when he appeared on television in a variety show called "Strike a New Note," and was such a hit that he was given his own show, which ran until his death for 158 half hour programs. Haynes's two most popular characters were a mischievous mute named 'Oscar Pennyfeather', and an argumentative tramp named 'Hobo Haynes'. Nearly all the programs were scripted by Johnny Speight, who went on to write "Till Death Us Do Part" (which became "All in the Family" in the United States). Just before his sudden death, Arthur Haynes appeared in two films ("Strange Bedfellows", with Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida, and "Doctor in Clover".) His television shows have remained unseen for many years, although, in 1995, a documentary about him was shown on British television.
Comedian. Described as "a forgotten king of British TV comedy," he was born in West London, the only child of a baker. Before the Second World War, he had various laboring jobs and appeared on stage with little success; then, during the conflict, he entertained the forces. He became popular on radio in a program called "Stand Easy" (1946 to 1949), but then seemed to vanish until 1956, when he appeared on television in a variety show called "Strike a New Note," and was such a hit that he was given his own show, which ran until his death for 158 half hour programs. Haynes's two most popular characters were a mischievous mute named 'Oscar Pennyfeather', and an argumentative tramp named 'Hobo Haynes'. Nearly all the programs were scripted by Johnny Speight, who went on to write "Till Death Us Do Part" (which became "All in the Family" in the United States). Just before his sudden death, Arthur Haynes appeared in two films ("Strange Bedfellows", with Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida, and "Doctor in Clover".) His television shows have remained unseen for many years, although, in 1995, a documentary about him was shown on British television.
Bio by: Iain MacFarlaine
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See more Haynes memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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