Educated at St John's College, Cambridge as a choral scholar and got a B.A, In 1939 joined the R.A.F. where he served until 1947 when he was demobbed as a flight lieutenant. He started work at London's Windmill Theatre during his demob leave. Following that he started in the radio series 'Take It From Here' which ran for 11 years.Also during that time he was frequently on the London stage, notably at the Adelphi Theatre in 'Take It From Us', 'London Laughs' and 'Talk of the Town which spanned 4 years. He made his film debut in 'Trouble in the Air'. He lived on his farm in Sussex with his wife and had his moustache insured for £10,000