Larry Grayson

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Larry Grayson : biography

31 August 1923 – 7 January 1995

Larry Grayson (31 August 1923 – 7 January 1995), born William Sulley White, was an English comedian and television presenter who reached the peak of his fame in the 1970s and early 80s. He is best remembered for hosting the BBC’s popular series The Generation Game and for his high camp and English music hall humour.

His unique stand-up act consisted mainly of anecdotes about a cast of imaginary friends, the most famous of which were ‘Everard’ and ‘Slack Alice’. He is often cited as one of the first openly gay entertainers to have enjoyed mass appeal, although he never made direct reference to his sexuality. He was devoted to his hometown Nuneaton, where a museum display relating to his life and work and a memorial have been established.

Television career

An early TV appearance in the 1950s had led to complaints about his act being too outrageous, and Grayson had resigned himself to a career off television. Then in the early 70s his club act was seen by TV impresario Michael Grade, who immediately signed him for ATV. Following a hit run of guest spots on ATV variety shows, he was rewarded by Lew Grade with his own show, Shut That Door!, in 1972 and the eponymously titled Larry Grayson Show.

He also made two cameo appearances in the Midlands-based soap opera Crossroads, as a flouncing, difficult customer at the Crossroads Motel and as the chauffeur at the wedding of Meg Richardson (played by his close friend Noele Gordon). In real life Grayson could not drive. He also made a number of guest appearances in variety shows, chat shows and panel games.

Grayson was one of the first television comedians to suggest an openly gay persona and many of his catchphrases, gestures and anecdotes were certainly suggestive, although he never publicly discussed or made direct reference to his sexuality, and was never known to have a partner.

The Generation Game

Grayson’s popularity peaked when he was hired by the BBC to present the Saturday night show The Generation Game in 1978, as replacement for Bruce Forsyth. The show became hugely successful, attracting audiences of up to 24 million each week, and the title of the show was changed to Larry Grayson’s Generation Game to reflect his popularity. Grayson was assisted by his co-star Isla St Clair, whom he always referred to as "my lovely Isla".

Despite its huge popularity, by 1981 The Generation Game was being overtaken in the ratings by ITV’s rival show Game for a Laugh. Grayson decided to leave The Generation Game in 1982 while it was still relatively successful. The BBC decided he couldn’t be replaced, and the show was cancelled, although Jimmy Tarbuck was approached to take over the show & turned it down. It was only resurrected eight years later when the original host, Bruce Forsyth, returned to the BBC.

Death

Grayson’s final public appearance was on 3 December 1994 at the Royal Variety Performance. During this performance he referred to his hiatus from television by commenting to the audience, "They thought I was dead!". His last words during the performance were his catchphrase "Shut that door!", followed by "I love you."

On New Year’s Eve 1995, Grayson was rushed into hospital. He was found to have suffered from a perforated appendix. After being allowed home from hospital, Grayson died on 7 January 1995 in Nuneaton, at the age of 71. He is buried alongside other members of his family in his home town of Nuneaton.

Memorial in Nuneaton

The possibility of erecting a monument to Grayson was discussed at a meeting of Nuneaton town council during Grayson’s lifetime. One councillor is supposed to have objected and used homophobic language in doing so. Grayson is reported to have been incensed, and he asked his family to ensure that no memorial to him was ever to be erected there. However, a permanent tribute to Larry Grayson was opened in April 2009 at Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery, with a display of personal memorabilia and items relating to his career. The exhibition, in the ground-floor Local History Room, includes his trademark gold bentwood chair, a plaque from the star dressing room at the London Palladium, trophies, gifts and souvenir programmes. accessed 03/05/09