Tommy Trinder, along with Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields and Max Miller, was one of Britain’s foremost entertainers in World War Two. Tommy Trinder was a comedian whose shows brought relief to many during the dark days of the Blitz.
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Tommy Trinder was born in 1909 and by the age of 12 was on stage. In 1921, he toured South Africa in a review company. He quickly developed a reputation for having a quick wit and a funny reply. He became a stand-up comedian and found nationwide success in Britain in 1937 with the revues “Tune In” and “Town to-night”.
During the war, Trinder made some films. His most famous was “Sailors Three” when he, Claude Hubert and Michael Wilding ‘captured’ a German pocket battleship. The film enhanced his popularity and the bosses at Ealing Studios were happy to provide one of Britain’s most famous entertainers with more roles. In “Bells Go Down”, Trinder was in a film that payed tribute to the work done by firemen in London during the Blitz. This, and films such as “Bitter Springs”, showed that Trinder had talent outside of comedy.
After the war ended, Trinder maintained his popularity. He was the first compere for the new television programme “Sunday Night at the London Palladium” and in the 1950’s, he was probably the biggest star on television. In his later years, Tommy Trinder appeared in pantomines and cabaret. His time was also taken up with his devotion to Fulham football club. Tommy Trinder died aged 80 in 1989.
