Michael Crawford

Photo of Michael Crawford

Biography

This red-haired boy soprano and child actor on radio in the 1940s and early 50s became a gawky, gangly romantic lead with an eager, ingenuous charm in British film comedies of the 60s and 70s. Crawford starred in two children's films in the mid-50s, before essaying his first teenage lead in the comedy "Two Left Feet" (1963), as an awkward young man who attempts to seduce a waitress. He followed with a series of charming performances as clumsy, …
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Job Title

Actor, Music

Born

January 19, 1942

Career Milestones

2002

Returned to Broadway as the star of "Dance of the Vampires", a musical based on Roman Polanski's film "The Fearless Vampire Killers"; reportedly received a salary of $180,000 per week

1996

Left production of "EFX" after injuring hip (August)

1995

Signed three-year contract to star in "EFX" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas; production was recorded

1988

Song performer ("The Music of the Night"), guest star on TV special, "America's Tribute to Bob Hope"

1987

Had greatest stage success originating the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" in the West End; repeated performance on Broadway the following year

1981

Played title character in the Cy Coleman musical, "Barnum" in the West End

1979

Starred in London musical, "Flowers for Algernon", based on film "Charley"

1974

Played title character in London musical, "Billy" based on play, "Billy Liar"

1971

Returned to London stage in sex farce, "No Sex Please, We're British"

Opened foam cushion business with his wife

1967

Broadway debut in the double-bill of Peter Shaffer comedies, "White Lies" and "Black Comedy" at the Barrymore Theater

Had own British TV series, "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em"

1965

Major role in feature, "The Knack . . . and How to Get It"

1963

First adult starring role in "Two Left Feet"

1961

First adult film role in "Two Living One Dead"

1962

Made West End debut in "Come Blow Your Horn" at the Prince of Wales Theater

1962

American TV acting debut, "The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake"

1958

Starred in "Soap Box Derby" made by the Children's Film Foundation

1956

Film debut as star of "Blow Your Own Trumpet" for the Children's Film Foundation

Appeared in the productions "Noye's Fiddle" and Benjamin Britton's "Let's Make an Opera"

Performed on TV and in over 500 radio broadcasts as a child

Began career as boy soprano

Was a choirboy at St Paul's Cathedral

Awards

1998

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance In a Variety or Music Program in Michael Crawford in Concert

1988

Tony Award for Actor (Musical)

1965

BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer To Leading Film Roles in The Knack... and How to Get It