Les Dawson Biography: Controversy, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Awards, Books, Death, Wife, Movies

  Les Dawson was a renowned British comedian, actor, and writer known primarily for his deadpan delivery and distinct persona.

Born and raised in Manchester, Dawson struggled to break into the entertainment industry but gained popularity in the late 1960s after appearing on the television talent show Opportunity Knocks.

This appearance launched his career, and he became a familiar face on British television. He starred in his shows and made a name for himself with his self-deprecating humour and satirical routines.

Profile

•   Full name: Leslie Dawson Jr.
•   Nickname: Les Dawson
•   Date of birth: February 2, 1931
•   Age as of 2024: 93 years (died in 1993)
•   Gender: Male
•   Place of birth: Collyhurst, Manchester, England
•   Nationality: British
•   Profession: Comedian, actor, writer
•   Height: N/A
•   Parents: Leslie Dawson Sr., Julia Nolan
•   Siblings: N/A
•   Spouse: Margaret Dawson (first wife, deceased), Tracy Roper (second wife)
•   Children: Julie Dawson, Pamela Dawson, Stuart Dawson, Charlotte Dawson
•   Relationship status: Married to Tracy Dawson until his death
•   Religion: N/A
•   Ethnicity: White (of Irish descent from his mother’s side)
•   Net worth: £1 million – £3 million

Early Life and Education

Les Dawson was born on February 2, 1931, in Collyhurst, a working-class area of Manchester. Now at 93, if alive, Dawson’s upbringing was marked by the struggles of his bricklayer father, Leslie Sr., during the Depression era.

Growing up in a modest household, his mother, Julia, was of Irish descent, contributing to his cultural background. As a child, Dawson was nicknamed “Dossy” and dreamed of becoming a writer. Despite his aspirations, he left school at 14 and took on various jobs to support his family, including working in the parcels department of the Manchester Co-op.

He did not follow a traditional academic route, and he has no record of attending higher education. His early life was filled with menial jobs; at one point, he even worked as a pianist in Parisian bars.

His experience during this time, especially in a bordello where he played the piano, later informed his comedic routines, in which he intentionally played music poorly as part of his act.

Personal Life

Les Dawson was married twice, first to Margaret Dawson in 1960. Together, they had three children: Julie, Pamela, and Stuart. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 1986 after battling cancer.

Dawson nearly died in 1985 due to prostate issues, which were further complicated by blood poisoning. In 1989, he married his second wife, Tracy Roper, who was 17 years his junior.

Their marriage was strong, and they welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Dawson, in 1992. Les was devoted to his family, and Tracy remained by his side until his sudden death in 1993.

Career

Les Dawson‘s career began in the northern pubs and clubs of England, where he performed as a pianist and singer. His unique ability to blend music with humour, often playing intentionally wrong notes, became one of his signature acts.

Dawson’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he appeared on Opportunity Knocks, a talent show that catapulted him into the limelight. He quickly became a regular on television, starring in popular shows like Sez Les and The Les Dawson Show.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Dawson was a mainstay of British comedy, known for his witty monologues and memorable characters.

He also became a familiar face on game shows, hosting Blankety Blank from 1984 to 1990. In addition to his television work, Dawson wrote several books, including fiction and autobiographies, further showcasing his literary talent.

Awards

•   Top 50 Comedians of All Time (Ranked 37th, 2005)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 1993, Les Dawson’s net worth was estimated to be between £1 million to £3 million. He accumulated this wealth through his television appearances, book sales, and live performances, making him one of the most successful comedians of his time.

Death

Les Dawson passed away on June 10, 1993, at 62. He died of a heart attack while undergoing treatment for a heart condition at St Joseph’s Hospital in Manchester.

His sudden death shocked his family and fans. In 2008, a memorial statue was erected in his honour at St Anne’ s-on-Sea, where he had lived for many years. His contribution to British comedy remains widely recognized.

Social Media

•   Instagram: N/A
•   Twitter: N/A

Filmography

•   Opportunity Knocks (1967)
•   Sez Les (1969–1976)
•   Blankety Blank (1984–1990)
•   The Les Dawson Show (1978–1989)

Books

•   A Clown Too Many (1986)
•   No Tears for the Clown (1992)
•   Well Fared, My Lovely (1991)
•   Cards for the Clubs (1974)