Eric Blore

**Eric Blore Sr.** (1887-12-23 - 1959-03-02) was an accomplished English actor and writer. His stage career, mostly situated in the West End of London, centred on revue and musical comedy, also incorporating straight plays. His writing prowess was reflected through sketches for and appearances in variety shows. In the 1930s, Blore acted primarily in Broadway productions with his final London appearance in 1933, in the Fred Astaire hit Gay Divorce. Between 1930 and 1955, he made over 60 Hollywood films, gaining renown for portraying butlers and other superior domestic servants. He retired in 1956 due to health issues and passed away in Hollywood in 1959 at the age of 71. His career also included significant contributions to revue and variety, such as 'Violet and Pink' (1913) and 'French Beans' (1921). Separately, he served during the First World War and notably managed the 38th Divisional Concert Party in France ('The Welsh Wails') from 1917–1919. After suffering a stroke in 1956, he retired before passing away in Hollywood in 1959.