Formby, George (1904-1961), was the United Kingdom’s most popular motion-picture star from the mid-1930’s to the mid-1940’s. Formby starred in a series of slapstick comedies. He typically played a cheerful, clueless young man who triumphed through a blend of luck and innocence. Formby made 22 comedies from 1934 to 1946 that made him England’s top box office attraction, especially with working-class audiences. However, his movies were rarely exported beyond the English Commonwealth countries.
Formby was born on May 26, 1904, in Wigan, Lancashire. His father was a music hall comedian. Formby began his show business career in 1921 in the music halls of Lancashire. He started playing the ukulele in his act in 1925 and it became a signature part of his performance. With his ukulele, and in a broad Lancashire accent, he sang “When I’m Cleaning Windows,” “Leaning on a Lamp-post,” and many other popular songs. Formby increased his popularity with about 200 recordings, beginning in 1929. He was also a popular radio performer. He died on March 6, 1961.
