Submitted by
Nick Dando
Maurice Denham
(23 December 1909 - 24 July 2002)
The Guardian: 26th July 2002
Radio and film star Denham dies at 92
Maurice Denham, a radio and screen star whose career spanned roles in dramas
ranging from TV's Edward and Mrs Simpson to the comedy series Porridge, died
yesterday at the age of 92.
He had been living at Denville Hall in Northwood, north-west London, the
nursing home for elderly actors
During a 60 year career he made more than 100 television and film appearances,
including roles in the films The Day Of The Jackal, 84 Charing Cross Road, and
Our Man In Havana.
His upper class tones allowed him to carve a niche as a character actor playing
mostly judges, aristocrats and military men. However, showcasing his talent as
the "man of a thousand voices", he played charlady Mrs Tickle and Vodkin the
Russian inventor in the popular 40s radio show It's That Man Again.
He displayed this talent again in 1955 as the voice of every character in the
animated classic Animal Farm.
He also starred in the 40s radio show Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh, a comedy
set in a ramshackle RAF station.
Born in Beckenham, Kent, in 1909, Denham worked as an engineer before his
radio fame. He gained an OBE, won acclaim for his stage roles, notably Macbeth
and Uncle Vanya, and appeared in dozens of TV shows, including The
Professionals. His last role was in The Beggar Bride in 1997.
- Press Association
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