For other persons named Billy Bennett or William Bennett, see William Bennett (disambiguation).

William Robertson Russell Bennnett DCM MM, better known as Billy Bennett, (1887 – June 30, 1942) was a British comedian who specialised in parodies of dramatic monologues and was billed as almost a gentleman.

Life

Only in 1919 did he begin his stage career in earnest, appearing with Mark Lupino and in Fred Karno's army. Bennett's favourite act was to mock and parody the dramatic monologues of the turn of the century. Perhaps best known is The Green Tie on the Little Yellow Dog, his take on The Green Eye of the Yellow God. As of 1930, he adapted his act to radio, appearing with James Carew and Albert Whelan. He gave his final performance in Blackpool, just a few weeks before his death.

James Agate wrote of Bennett:

Off-stage, Agate noted that his manner was quiet almost to shyness, keeping with his gentle and wholly nice mind.

Legacy

References

Bibliography

• Busby, R. (1976). British Music Hall: An Illustrated Who's Who from 1850 to the Present Day. Elek. ISBN 0-236-40053-3.
• Fisher, J (1973). Funny Way to be a Hero. Paladin. ISBN 0-586-08240-9.
• Midwinter, E.C. (1979). Make 'em Laugh: Famous Comedians and their Worlds. Allen & U. ISBN 0-04-792011-4.
• — (2004) " Bennett, William Robertson Russell (1887–1942)", Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, accessed 14 March 2006

External links

• Billy Bennett at the Internet Movie Database
• A brief history of Billy Bennett, by Dan Quinn
• Recordings at Topic Records
• Text of monologues