Dick Henderson
Actor
About Dick Henderson
Dick Henderson was a prominent English music hall comedian, singer, and character actor who successfully transitioned from the British stage to international cinema during the early sound era. Born Richard Henderson in Hull, he began his career in pierrot troupes before making his London debut in 1914, eventually becoming a staple of the variety circuit known as 'The Yorkshire Comedian.' His distinctive stage persona featured a stout physique accentuated by tight-fitting suits, a bowler hat several sizes too small, and a signature cigar. In 1930, Henderson traveled to Hollywood where he appeared in the high-profile Warner Bros. Technicolor musical 'Golden Dawn' and the comedy 'The Man from Blankley's.' He was a pioneer in the recording industry, being the first artist in Britain to record the iconic song 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips.' Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he remained a beloved figure in British entertainment, often performing alongside his son, Dickie Henderson, who would go on to become a major television star in his own right.
The Craft
On Screen
Henderson was celebrated for his 'quick-fire patter' and a conversational, first-person storytelling style that bridged the gap between character acting and gag comedy. He utilized a marked Yorkshire accent and physical comedy derived from his rotund appearance and ill-fitting costumes. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on isolated jokes, Henderson linked his material into a loose, personalized narrative structure, often punctuated by his famous catchphrase.
Milestones
- Made his professional London stage debut in 1914
- Appeared in the Royal Variety Performance in 1926 and 1946
- First artist to record 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' in Great Britain
- Starred in the 1930 Warner Bros. Technicolor operetta 'Golden Dawn'
- Successfully toured the American Vaudeville circuit in the 1920s and 1930s
- Appeared with his son Dickie Henderson in the 1935 film 'Things Are Looking Up'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Invited to perform for the British Royal Family at the Royal Variety Performance (1926, 1946)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dick Henderson was a vital link between the traditional Victorian music hall and the modern era of variety entertainment and film. By bringing his 'Yorkshire Comedian' persona to Hollywood in 1930, he helped export British regional humor to a global audience during the transition to sound cinema. His recording of 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' became a significant cultural artifact of the era, establishing the song's popularity in the United Kingdom for decades to come.
Lasting Legacy
His legacy is preserved through the successful career of his son, Dickie Henderson, whom he mentored and steered away from child stardom in Hollywood to ensure a grounded upbringing in Britain. He is remembered as one of the definitive 'character' comedians of the early 20th century, whose influence on the structure of stand-up comedy—moving from strings of jokes to personalized storytelling—can still be seen in modern performance styles.
Who They Inspired
Influenced the development of British variety comedy and the career of his son, Dickie Henderson, who became a television pioneer.
Off Screen
Henderson married Winifred Dunn in 1918, and the couple remained together until his death. They had three children: twin daughters Winifred (Wyn) and Teresa (Triss), born in 1920, and a son, Richard Matthew Michael (Dickie), born in 1922. His children all followed him into show business, with the twins performing as 'The Henderson Twins' and Dickie becoming one of Britain's most famous post-war entertainers.
Education
Apprenticed as a fitter at a shipyard in Hull before pursuing a career in entertainment.
Family
- Winifred Dunn (1918-1958)
Did You Know?
- He was known as 'The Yorkshire Nightingale' because of his surprisingly high-quality baritone singing voice.
- His stage trademark was wearing a bowler hat that was intentionally several sizes too small for his head.
- He was the first person in Britain to record 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips' on the ukulele.
- He was reputedly the first comedian to end his comedy sets with a 'straight' (serious) sentimental song.
- He appeared in several Vitaphone short films during his time in the United States.
- He insisted his son Dickie turn down the lead role in 'David Copperfield' (1935) because he believed Hollywood was not a healthy environment for a young boy.
In Their Own Words
Ha! Ha! – joke over! (His signature stage catchphrase used after delivering an obvious or 'corny' joke)
I've always been a bit of a founder... I turned out to be one of those buys my mother always bought me. (Dialogue from Golden Dawn)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dick Henderson?
Dick Henderson was a famous English music hall comedian and singer known as 'The Yorkshire Comedian.' He was a popular variety star who appeared in early Hollywood talkies like 'Golden Dawn' (1930).
What films is Dick Henderson best known for?
He is best known for his role as Duke in the 1930 Technicolor musical 'Golden Dawn' and for appearing in 'The Man from Blankley's' (1930) and 'Things Are Looking Up' (1935).
When was Dick Henderson born and when did he die?
He was born on March 20, 1891, in Hull, England, and passed away on October 15, 1958, in London at the age of 67.
What was Dick Henderson's signature comedy style?
He was known for 'quick-fire patter' and personalized storytelling, often wearing a tiny bowler hat and a tight suit to emphasize his rotund figure while smoking a cigar.
Was Dick Henderson related to Dickie Henderson?
Yes, Dick Henderson was the father of Dickie Henderson, the famous British television entertainer and comedian of the 1950s and 60s.
What song is Dick Henderson famous for recording?
He was the first artist in Britain to record the popular song 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips,' which he often performed on the ukulele during his stage act.
Learn More
Films
1 film
