Max Bygraves

About

Variety performer known for his 20 appearances on the Royal Variety Performance, a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom that is broadcasted on ITV. He was also a presenter on Family Fortunes, and several other shows.

Before Fame

He was a pageboy at London's Savoy Hotel, but was ultimately fired for his height, which was deemed to be too tall for the position.

Trivia

His famous catchphrase was, "I wanna tell you a story" and he was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1982.

Family Life

His father, Henry, was a professional flyweight boxer whose nickname was Battling Tom Smith; his parents raised him Catholic.

Associated With

He played the title character in 1956's Charley Moon, which also starred Shirley Eaton.