Wyn Calvin
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Wyn Calvin, MBE OStJ (born Joseph Wyndham Calvin Thomas, 28 August 1925), is a Welsh comedian, pantomime dame, actor (theatre and television), radio personality, philanthropist and newspaper columnist, nicknamed "The Welsh Prince of Laughter". He has worked with numerous stars during 70 years within the entertainment industry including Bob Hope , Christopher Biggins, Shirley Bassey, Frankie Vaughan, Vic Morrow, Bud Flanagan, Roy Hudd, Max Boyce, Morecambe and Wise and Ken Dodd.[1]
Life and Career
Born in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Calvin later attended Canton High School for Boys in Cardiff.[2] Wyn Calvin has been in show business for over sixty years. He served with ENSA during World War II. In 1991 he became the first Welshman ever to be elected "King Rat"[3] of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a show business fraternity and charity, and has also been the Welsh chairman of the Variety Club of Great Britain. He is particularly well known for his appearances in pantomime[4] and summer season at venues all over the UK. Wyn is an accomplished after-dinner speaker and has also spoken at St.David's Day events all over the world.
He recently starred as Jethro D. Bartman (President of the Earth), in a play called Space Invasion, which was shown in the New Theatre in Cardiff.
Personal life
Calvin wis a founding member of the Noah's Ark Appeal. He has been married to wife Carole Calvin, a dancer from Tenby for 40 years in 2015.
References
- ^ "Wyn Calvin celebrates 90th birthday and 70th year being an entertainer". Wales Online. 1 September 2015.
- ^ Moira Sharkey (13 October 2007). "Ex-pupils are set to reunite for centenary". South Wales Echo. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
- ^ "Past King Rats of The Grand Order of Water Rats". Gowr.net. 2013-12-12. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/wales/entries/1dcfd162-b080-3fa2-9b12-cb6a5d9bd16f