Anthony Wager

Anthony A. Wager (born 24 June 1932 in London; died 23 December 1990 in Bali) was a former English child actor best known for his role as the young "Pip" in David Lean's 1946 film of Great Expectations.

Early life

Anthony grew up in Mill Hill, Hendon. Wager’s father was a plumber, though Wager himself was not well skilled in that area. Wager and his sister grew up during the Second World War and were often looked after by neighbours. It could be said that Anthony and his sister were inseparable.

Wager studied at Christ's College, one of the top schools in the area.

Career

Wager’s step-mother found the audition call for the role of ’Pip’ in the film Great Expectations. Wager went to the audition whilst studying at Christ’s College, and was cast in the role of Pip, playing alongside John Mills.

When finished, the film was given a royal screening, in the presence of the-then Princess Elizabeth.

In the late 1940s, Wager would have tea with a young Michael Caine.

During a time when Britain wasn’t a place for young actors he spent a lot of time out of work. Hollywood was more young actor friendly, and Wager was approached by studios there. However, due to his father’s control, he was not able to take them up on their offer.

As Wager spent time in the West End, he lived with Brian Desmond Hurst – who was associated with the production in which Wager was also involved – to eliminate travel between the West End and Wager’s home, as the means of transport in that area were not particularly good.

In the late 1960s, Wager moved to Sydney, Australia. He suffered a heart attack and, due to the weather, Wager made the move to Perth, Western Australia. Wager, out of acting work, had several jobs to keep money in his pocket. During this time, he wrote scripts for films, sketches and would also draft out top comedians patter before they went on stage. Wager was credited with having very ‘sharp wit’. During his time spent in Australia, Wager would work mainly television shows and would often be spotted making cameo appearances.

Wager was a gambler – as had been his grandmother.

Death

On 23 December 1990, Wager died. By this time, he had moved to Bali, Indonesia again for health reasons. Wager was given a Balinese funeral, considered a very high honour, and his ashes were scattered at a lake. Wager's sister is still alive.

Information authenticity

This information has been supplied to Wikipedia by Matt Saye, Tony's great nephew, who collaborated with Wager's sister to get the facts. Because of this, it can be guaranteed that the information here is 100% accurate and correct.

External links

• Anthony Wager at the Internet Movie Database
• A Tribute to Anthony Wager by Wager's great nephew and sister