Person Biography:
Dick Bentley was a renowned actor, best recognized for his iconic role as the lovable but dim-witted Ron in the popular 1950s radio series "Take It From Here," created by Denis Norden and Frank Muir.
Born in Australia, Bentley's early life was marked by his passion for music, as he played the saxophone in local dance bands during his teenage years. In 1939, he relocated to Britain, where he briefly appeared in the BBC radio series "You've Asked For It."
During World War II, Bentley returned to his homeland, entertaining troops and performing in troop shows throughout Australia, the South Pacific, and New Guinea.
After the war, Bentley returned to London, where he became a regular on radio's "The Navy Mixture" before teaming up with Joy Nichols and Jimmy Edwards in "Take It From Here." He also had his own weekly radio series, "Gently, Bentley," and made numerous appearances in Royal Command Performances.
Bentley's film credits include a memorable cameo in "The Sundowners" (1960) alongside Robert Mitchum and a comedic role in Barry Humphries' "The Adventures of Barry McKenzie" (1972). He was also a talented singer of light popular songs, releasing several LPs.
In his later years, Bentley retired to London, where he remained until his passing. In his final interview, he expressed his desire to be remembered as a funny man in his own right, rather than simply as a second-hand version of Tommy Handley.
