Who Is George Formby? Age, Biography and Wiki
George Formby was an iconic English actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian, born on May 7, 1904. He gained immense popularity in the early to mid-20th century, known for his unique style of humor and musical performances. Formby's music often reflected his life experiences and the everyday challenges faced by the British working class, making him a beloved figure across the UK. He remained a prominent figure until his passing on March 6, 1961, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire entertainers today.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | |
| Date of death | 6 March, 1961 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
George Formby's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific measurements for George Formby in modern references might vary, during his active years, he was known to have an average height of roughly 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and a weight around 150 lbs (68 kg). His physical appearance added to his charm as he captivated audiences with his lively performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
George Formby was married to his wife, Beryl Ingham, who played a significant role in his career. Their romantic relationship blossomed into a strong partnership, both personally and professionally, contributing to his success in the entertainment industry. However, as of now, there are no records of any other relationships or boyfriends that significantly impacted his life in the public eye.
Born in Wigan, Lancashire, he was the son of George Formby Sr, from whom he later took his stage name. After an early career as a stable boy and jockey, Formby took to the music hall stage after the early death of his father in 1921. His early performances were taken exclusively from his father's act, including the same songs, jokes and characters.
In 1923 he made two career-changing decisions – he purchased a ukulele, and married Beryl Ingham, a fellow performer who became his manager and transformed his act. She insisted that he appear on stage formally dressed, and introduced the ukulele to his performance.
He started his recording career in 1926 and, from 1934, he increasingly worked in film to develop into a major star by the late 1930s and 1940s, and became the UK's most popular entertainer during those decades.
The film historian Brian McFarlane writes that on film, Formby portrayed gormless Lancastrian innocents who would win through against some form of villainy, gaining the affection of an attractive middle-class girl in the process.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, George Formby's net worth was estimated to be around £1 million, a considerable sum for that era, thanks to his successful careers in music, film, and live performances. Adjusted for inflation and considering the legacy he has left behind, his net worth would be significantly higher in 2025, reflecting the ongoing popularity of his work and music.
At the outbreak of the Second World War Dean left ATP and became the head of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), the organisation that provided entertainment to the British Armed Forces.
Over the course of five months Formby requested to sign up for ENSA, but was denied; Dean relented in February 1940, and Formby was signed on a fixed salary of £10 per week, although he still remained under contract to ATP. He undertook his first tour in France in March, where he performed for members of the British Expeditionary Force.
Career, Business and Investments
George Formby's career took off in the 1920s and 1930s, with his witty songs and films gaining popularity. He became a staple in British entertainment, starring in films such as "Keep Bust" and "We'll Smile Again." Besides acting, he made a profound impact with his music, releasing numerous records.
Investments in his name would likely have included various property holdings; however, specific details on his investments during his lifetime are less documented. His estate and the ongoing popularity of his songs, particularly in niche markets, have solidified a form of continuous revenue stream posthumously.
The film, Boots! Boots!, was shot on a budget of £3,000 in a one-room studio in Albany Street, London. Formby played the John Willie character, while Beryl also appeared, and the couple were paid £100 for the two weeks' work, plus 10 per cent of the profits.
The film followed a revue format, and Jo Botting, writing for the British Film Institute, describes it as having a "wafer-thin plot" that is "almost incidental". Botting also considers the film has "poor sound quality, static scene set-ups and [a] lack of sets", and while it did not impress the critics, audience figures were high.
Formby followed this up with Off the Dole in 1935, again for Blakeley, who had re-named his company Mancunian Films. The film cost £3,000 to make, and earned £80,000 at the box office. As with ''Boots! Boots!'', the film was in a revue format, and Formby again played John Willie, with Beryl as his co-star.
According to Formby's biographer, Jeffrey Richards, the two films for Blakeley "are an invaluable record of the pre-cinematic Formby at work".
Social Network
In terms of social presence, while there were no modern social networks during George Formby’s life, his legacy persists online through various platforms. Dedicated fan pages on Facebook, Instagram, and specialized blogs keep his memory alive. These platforms serve to educate new generations about Formby's influential role in entertainment history.
With Formby's growing success on stage, Beryl decided it was time for him to move into films. In 1934 she approached the producer Basil Dean, the head of Associated Talking Pictures (ATP). Although he expressed an interest in Formby, he did not like the associated demands from Beryl. She also met the representative of Warner Bros.
in the UK, Irving Asher, who was dismissive, saying that Formby was "too stupid to play the bad guy and too ugly to play the hero". Three weeks later Formby was approached by John E. Blakeley of Blakeley's Productions, who offered him a one-film deal.
Education
George Formby did not have extensive formal education and instead gained his skills through experience in the entertainment industry, starting at a young age. His early exposure to music and performance prepared him for life in show business, emphasizing the importance of practical experience over formal education.
After briefly attending school—at which he did not prosper, and did not learn to read or write—Formby was removed from formal education at the age of seven and sent to become a stable boy, briefly in Wiltshire and then in Middleham, Yorkshire.
Formby Sr sent his son away to work as he was worried Formby would watch him on stage; he was against Formby following in his footsteps, saying "one fool in the family is enough".
After a year working at Middleham, he was apprenticed to Thomas Scholfield at Epsom, where he ran his first professional races at the age of 10, when he weighed less than 4 st.
