At the tender age of seventeen, he had already gained experience as a designer in a prominent furniture business. However, his fascination with the theatre soon took center stage, prompting him to explore new creative avenues. Under the tutelage of a French café cook who had previously donned the mantle of a clown, he learned the art of mime. Subsequently, an elocution teacher took him under their wing, instructing him in the nuances of voice production.
As he approached his twentieth birthday, he made the bold decision to pursue a career in the theatre. Fate, however, had other plans, as the outbreak of war intervened, redirecting his path. Leveraging his drawing skills, he found himself employed in an aircraft drawing office. Despite this unexpected turn of events, he continued to nurture his passion for the theatre by working at an amateur dramatics troupe in his spare time.
Following the war, he secured a position with the BBC drama repertory company, a role that would last for six illustrious years. This esteemed experience ultimately paved the way for his transition to the West End. He is perhaps most fondly remembered for his starring role in the beloved television comedy series, The Larkins.