Richard Matthew Michael "Dickie" Henderson, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was an English entertainer.
Background
His father, Dick Henderson (1891–1958) was a music hall comedian and singer famous for his short, rotund appearance, bowler hat and beautiful singing voice. Henderson was privately educated in both Hollywood, when his father was touring in vaudeville, and Britain, at Saint Joseph"s College, Beulah Hill, London. In America, Henderson broke into show business, aged 10, when he was offered a role as the son of Clive Brook and Diana Wynyard in the Frank Lloyd film version of Noël Coward"s play, Cavalcade (1933).
Career
He was well known for making the original British recording of the popular song "Tiptoe Through the Tulips". He was also in the running for the part of David Copperfield in David Copperfield, but his father insisted that he decline the part and return to Britain, because he felt Hollywood was not the place for a young boy. Dickie Henderson served in the Army during the Second World War, before appearing in revues, pantomimes and occasional films after demobilisation.
He began a successful television career in 1953, with Face the Music, followed by appearing in Before Your Very Eyes with Arthur Askey.
He compered Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He starred in his own Independent Television television programme: The Dickie Henderson Half Hour in 1958 and afterwards hosted 84 episodes of The Dickie Henderson Show.
There was another single show in 1971. He went on to make many stage appearances including 20 months in Teahouse of the August Moon, followed by When in Rome, Stand by your Bedouin and And the Bridge Makes Three.
He also made many working trips abroad to the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
He appeared in eight Royal Command Performances. He was a keen golfer and enjoyed most sports. He was a leading Water Rat and was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his charitable work.
Dickie Henderson died in Essex from pancreatic cancer on 22 September 1985, aged 62.