Florence Desmond
| Florence Desmond | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | Florence Dawson 31 May 1905 London, England, UK |
| Died | 16 January 1993 (aged 87) Guildford, Surrey, England |
| Spouse | Tom Campbell Black (1935-1936) Charles Hughesdon (1937-1993) |
Florence Desmond (31 May 1905 - 16 January 1993) was the stage name of Florence Dawson, an English actress, comedienne and impersonator.
Born In London in 1905, Desmond was educated at the Dame Alice Owen's School, Islington. Her brother Fred Desmond was a comedy acrobat from the "Desmond and Marks" double act.
She began her stage career at age 10. Upon leaving school in 1920, she embarked on a long and successful career in the theatre, especially as an impersonator of famous stars. She appeared extensively in radio, theatre and occasionally in the cinema. She died in Guildford, Surrey in 1993 aged 87, where a Ward was named for her at St.Luke's Hospital.
She was married twice, first to the aviator Tom Campbell Black from 1935–1936, then to aviator and insurance broker Charles Hughesdon from 1937[1] who she lived with at Dunsborough Park House in Ripley, Surrey.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Stage
- "Still Dancing", 1925–1926
- "This Year of Grace", 1928
- "Why Not To-night?", 1933–1934
- "Funny Side Up", 1939–1940
- "Apple Sauce", 1940–1941
- "If the Shoe Fits", 1946
[edit] Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
| 1930 | The Road to Fortune | Toots Willoughby | |
| 1931 | Sally in Our Alley | Florrie Small | |
| 1932 | Murder on the Second Floor | Lucy | |
| The Marriage Bond | Elsie | ||
| Nine Till Six | Daisy | ||
| High Society | Florrie | ||
| Impromptu | Short film | ||
| The River House Ghost | Flo | ||
| 1933 | Radio Parade | ||
| Long Live the King | Florie | Short film | |
| My Lucky Star | Mlle. de Capo | ||
| Mr. Skitch | Flo | ||
| I am Suzanne | Uncredited Voice Role | ||
| 1934 | Gay Love | Gloria Fellowes | |
| 1935 | No Limit | Florrie Dibney | |
| 1936 | Keep Your Seats, Please | Florrie | |
| Accused | Yvette Delange | ||
| 1938 | Kicking the Moon Around | Flo Hadley | |
| 1940 | Hoots Mon! | Jenny McTavish | |
| 1950 | Three Came Home | Betty Sommers | |
| 1956 | Charley Moon | Mary Minton | |
| 1969 | Some Girls Do | Lady Manderville | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1951 | Your Show of Shows | Episode: 15 December 1951 | |
[edit] References
- ^ "Charles Hughesdon, Esq, AFC, FRAeS". Debrett's. http://www.debretts.com/people/biographies/browse/h/578/Charles%20Frederick%20HUGHESDON.aspx. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
- ^ Franks, Adrian. "A potted history". Dunsborough Park. http://www.dunsboroughpark.com/2001/pottedhistory.html. Retrieved 3 January 2010.[dead link]
3. "Florence Desmond", by Florence Desmond, London: George G. Harrap and Co. Ltd, 1953.
