Arthur Towle, also known as Lucan, had a remarkable career in show business that spanned over five decades, starting from when he left school in 1900 until his untimely death in 1954. Initially, he worked as an Irish character comedian in British music halls, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style. In 1913, he embarked on a tour of Ireland with his act, during which he met Kitty McShane, a 16-year-old who would later become his wife.
The couple gradually evolved their act, "Old Mother Riley and her Daughter," which featured Arthur, dressed in drag, playing the role of the titular character, a cantankerous and eccentric Irish woman. The act's popularity endured for nearly 40 years, with Arthur adopting the stage name Lucan to give himself a more Irish-sounding moniker.
While Lucan and McShane's fame initially remained limited to provincial music halls, their big break came with the release of their first film, "Old Mother Riley," in 1937. The film's success led to a string of 17 films, released between 1937 and 1952, which cemented Lucan's status as a Top Ten star in England in 1942.
In the films, Lucan's comedic genius shone through as he portrayed Mother Riley, a lovable but exasperating character who often found herself in absurd and humorous predicaments. His comedy was characterized by Mother Riley's eccentric ways, facial and bodily contortions, and malapropism-filled tirades against those who displeased her, all seasoned with slapstick humor.
By 1951, Lucan and McShane had separated, and Kitty did not appear in Arthur's last film. However, he continued to support her, and the two remained on good terms. In 1954, Lucan was struggling with a large tax debt when he suddenly collapsed and died on stage during a performance in a Yorkshire theatre, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most beloved comedians.
