Handley, Tommy (1894-1949), was an English comedian who became famous for his weekly radio program “ITMA (It’s That Man Again).” This comedy program ran from 1939 to 1949 and introduced many characters whose catch phrases were repeated by many people. “Mrs. Mopp,” with her “Can I do yer now, sir?”, was especially popular. “ITMA” is considered by most critics to be one of the classic radio comedy shows. It was especially popular during World War II (1939-1945), dealing in a comic manner with the daily tensions of the war years in the United Kingdom.
Thomas Reginald Handley was born on Jan. 17, 1894, in Liverpool. During World War I (1914-1918), he was a soldier and gained valuable acting experience by entertaining his comrades. Handley broadcast regularly on the BBC from 1925 until his death on Jan. 9, 1949. He also acted in motion pictures and appeared in numerous music halls and pantomimes.
