Graeme's early life took place in Aberdeen, where he was born, and Preston, where he was raised by his father, a doctor, who instilled in him a sense of dedication to the medical profession. As a result, Graeme initially followed in his father's footsteps, studying at Cambridge University, where he discovered his passion for acting. However, he didn't abandon his medical aspirations entirely, as he continued his studies at King's College Hospital in London.
It was during his time at King's College Hospital that Graeme shared a flat with the renowned comedian and musician, Eric Idle. This camaraderie ultimately led to the formation of a creative partnership, as they, along with Tim Brooke-Taylor, founded the popular BBC 2 program, Broaden Your Mind. Graeme's academic pursuits didn't take a backseat, as he simultaneously qualified as a doctor, an impressive feat that demonstrated his dedication to his medical education.
Graeme's television career received a significant boost when he was offered a role in the series "Twice a Fortnight," alongside Germaine Greer and Bill Oddie. Recognizing the rarity of such an opportunity, Graeme decided to temporarily put his medical career on hold, believing that he would never receive another chance at television stardom. He teamed up with Bill and Tim to create the hit show "The Goodies" for Yorkshire TV, which ran for two series. Additionally, Graeme collaborated with Bill on the local history program "Sense of the Past" and provided voiceovers for the popular cartoon series "Bananaman."
Graeme's creative endeavors extended beyond television, as he adapted P.G. Wodehouse stories for the small screen, wrote the novel "The Seventh Man," and penned the film script based on the novel. Furthermore, he authored the humorous book "Graeme Garden's Book of Medical Humour," showcasing his ability to merge his medical background with his comedic talents.
