Les Dawson is a famous British comedian, actor and writer, mainly known for his deadpan delivery and eccentric personality.
Born and raised in Manchester, Dawson had difficulty breaking into the entertainment industry but rose to fame in the late 1960s after appearing on the television talent show Opportunity Knocks.
This appearance launched his career and he became a familiar face on British television. He starred in his own shows and made a name for himself with his self-deprecating humor and sarcastic routines.
File
- Full name: Leslie Dawson Jr.
- Nickname: Les Dawson
- Date of birth: February 2, 1931
- Age as of 2024: 93 years old (died in 1993)
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Collyhurst, Manchester, England
- Nationality: English
- Profession: Comedian, actor, writer
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Leslie Dawson Sr., Julia Nolan
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Margaret Dawson (first wife, deceased), Tracy Roper (second wife)
- Children: Julie Dawson, Pamela Dawson, Stuart Dawson, Charlotte Dawson
- Relationship status: Married to Tracy Dawson until his death
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: White (Irish descent from mother’s side)
- Net worth: £1 million – £3 million
Early life and education
Les Dawson was born on 2 February 1931 in Collyhurst, a working-class area of Manchester. Now 93, if still alive, Dawson’s upbringing was marked by the struggles of his bricklayer father, Leslie Sr., during the Depression.
Raised in a modest family, his mother, Julia, was of Irish descent, contributing to his cultural background. As a child, Dawson was nicknamed “Dossy” and dreamed of becoming a writer. Despite his aspirations, he left school at 14 and took on various jobs to support his family, including working in the parcels department of Manchester Co-op.
He did not follow a traditional academic path and did not have a higher academic record. His early life was filled with menial jobs; at one point, he even worked as a pianist in Parisian bars.
His experiences during this time, especially in a bordello where he played the piano, later influenced his comedic routine, in which he deliberately played music poorly as part of his act. his performance.
Personal life
Les Dawson was married twice, first to Margaret Dawson in 1960. They had three children together: Julie, Pamela and Stuart. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 1986 after battling cancer.
Dawson nearly died in 1985 from prostate problems, which were further complicated by blood poisoning. In 1989, he married his second wife, Tracy Roper, 17 years his junior.
Their marriage was strong and they welcomed daughter Charlotte Dawson in 1992. Les was devoted to his family and Tracy remained by his side until his sudden death in 1993.
Career
Les Dawson’s career began in the pubs and clubs of the north of England, where he performed as a pianist and singer. His unique ability to combine music with humor, often deliberately playing wrong notes, became one of his signature acts.
Dawson’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he appeared on Opportunity Knocks, a talent show that brought him into the limelight. He quickly became a regular face on television, starring in popular shows such as Sez Les and The Les Dawson Show.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Dawson was a mainstay of British comedy, famous for his witty monologues and memorable characters.
He also became a familiar face on game shows, hosting Blankety Blank from 1984 to 1990. In addition to his television work, Dawson also wrote several books, including novels and an autobiography, clearly showing than his literary talent.
prize
- Top 50 comedians of all time (Ranked 37th, 2005)
Net worth
At the time of his death in 1993, Les Dawson’s net worth was estimated to be between £1 million and £3 million. He amassed this fortune through television appearances, book sales, and live performances, making him one of the most successful comedians of his time.
Death
Les Dawson died on 10 June 1993, aged 62. He died of a heart attack while being treated for a heart condition at St Joseph’s Hospital in Manchester.
His sudden death shocked his family and fans. In 2008, a memorial statue was erected in his honor at St Anne’s-on-Sea, where he lived for many years. His contribution to British comedy is still widely recognized.
Social Media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: Not applicable
Cinema
- Opportunity Knocks (1967)
- Sez Les (1969–1976)
- Empty Blanket (1984–1990)
- The Les Dawson Show (1978–1989)
Book
- One Clown Too Many (1986)
- No Tears for Clowns (1992)
- Well done, My Lover (1991)
- Club Cards (1974)
