George Formby

Date of Birth: May 26, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 6, 1961

Biography

George Formby, born George Hoy Booth, was an English singer, songwriter, and comedian, who became a major star of stage and screen during the 1930s and 1940s. Formby was born into a showbiz family on May 26, 1904, in Wigan, Lancashire, England. His father, also named George Formby, was a well-known comedian. Initially, Formby followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a jockey before eventually transitioning to entertainment after his father’s death. Formby is best remembered for his humorous songs, often performed with his signature ukulele or banjolele. His cheerful personality and catchy tunes made him immensely popular, and his films were box office hits in Britain. Some of his most famous songs include “When I’m Cleaning Windows,” “Leaning on a Lamp-post,” and “Chinese Laundry Blues.” Aside from his musical career, Formby was also known for his contributions during World War II, where he entertained troops and boosted morale. He was honored with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1946 for his services to entertainment. Formby continued to perform until his health began to decline in the late 1950s. He passed away on March 6, 1961, at the age of 56.

5 Interesting Facts about George Formby

1. George Formby was originally named George Hoy Booth; he took his stage name from his father.

2. He started his career as a jockey before becoming an entertainer.

3. Formby was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1946 for his services to entertainment during World War II.

4. He was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the UK during his peak, often earning more than £100,000 a year.

5. Despite his comedic persona, Formby was a skilled musician, capable of playing multiple instruments, though he is best known for his ukulele performances.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Formby

1. “Turned out nice again, hasn’t it?”

2. “It’s turned out nice again.”

3. “I’m leaning on a lamp-post at the corner of the street.”

4. “When I’m cleaning windows, you should see how clean those windows are.”

5. “If women like me, then I’m not too bad.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, George Formby was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the UK, with an estimated net worth equivalent to around £100,000 a year during the late 1930s and 1940s.