ARTHUR ASKEY - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 160866

ARTHUR ASKEY
Signature of comedian Arthur Askey, affixed to a small piece of cardboard
Signature: "Arthur Askey" in blue ink. 2¾x1¼ signature affixed to a 3x1½ piece of cardstock. Words like "silly" and "anarchic" have been used to describe short stuff British comedian Askey (1900-1982). He got his start in Great Britain's music halls in 1924 and hit the big time in 1938, when he appeared in the radio show Band Waggon. Askey was originally signed on Band Waggon as a performer, but the show was cancelled after three weeks, and he and Richard Murdoch had the chance to do basically whatever they wanted in the time slot while a replacement was found. The two turned the show and its fortunes around, and it lasted until 1940. Askey had acting credits in over 20 movies and TV shows between 1937 and 1982, with starring roles in I Thank You (1941) and Make Mine a Million (1959) and a recurring role as Bill Brown in Love and Kisses (1955); he also hosted his own variety show, Before Your Very Eyes (1955-1957), named after one of his catchphrases. He was also a recording artist and performed as a pantomime dame into the 1970s, curtailing the latter only when his legs were amputated due to poor circulation. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Signature has missing top and bottom left corners: missing bottom left corner touches signature. Cardstock has missing top corners. Irregular edges. Paper loss on verso. Otherwise in fine condition.