Noel Coward

Sir Noel Peirce Coward (spelling his forename Noël with the diaeresis was an affectation of later life, and "Peirce" is the correct spelling) (December 16, 1899 - March 26, 1973) was an English actor, playwright, and composer of popular music.

Early life

Born at Teddington, Middlesex to a middle-class family, he began performing in the West End at an early age. He was a childhood friend of Hermione Gingold, whose mother warned her against him.

Related Topics:
Teddington - Middlesex - West End - Hermione Gingold

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Coward’s first professional engagement was on January 27, 1911, in the children’s play, The Goldfish. After this appearance, he was sought after for children’s roles by other professional theatres. He was featured in several productions with Sir Charles Hawtrey, a Victorian actor and comedian, whom Coward idolized and to whom he virtually apprenticed himself until he was twenty. It was from Hawtrey that Coward learned comic acting techniques and playwriting.

Related Topics:
January 27 - 1911 - Theatres - Charles Hawtrey - Comedian

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