Max Bygraves, born on October 16, 1922, in England, was a British variety performer known for his numerous appearances on the Royal Variety Performance. His father, Henry, was a professional flyweight boxer with the nickname Battling Tom Smith. The family was devoutly Catholic, and Bygraves was raised in this faith.
Bygraves' career in entertainment began at a young age when he worked as a pageboy at London's prestigious Savoy Hotel. Unfortunately, he was let go from this position for being too tall. This setback did not deter Bygraves from pursuing a career in show business.
Bygraves quickly made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his appearances on the Royal Variety Performance. His memorable catchphrase, "I wanna tell you a story," endeared him to audiences across the United Kingdom. In 1982, Bygraves was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the arts.
Bygraves expanded his reach as a performer by appearing on television shows such as Family Fortunes and various other programs. His charismatic personality and quick wit made him a favorite among viewers, and he became a household name in the UK.
Outside of his career, Bygraves was a family man who cherished his loved ones. He was married and had children, and he took great pride in his family life. Despite his fame and success, Bygraves remained grounded and valued the importance of family.
Max Bygraves left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment with his humor, charm, and talent. He continued to perform and bring joy to audiences throughout his career, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in British entertainment history. His legacy lives on through his body of work and the memories he created for fans around the world.
Related links