Will Hay

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Will Hay - Guildford Lawn 1921 to 1927

Will Hay - Actor and Astronomer - to 18th April 1949

Will Hay, the British actor, comedian, and writer, had a connection with the seaside town of Ramsgate in Kent, England. This charming coastal town played an important role in Hay's life, both personally and professionally, and is a place where he is still fondly remembered to this day.

Hay first visited Ramsgate in the late 1920s when he was performing at the Granville Theatre, which was then one of the most popular entertainment venues in the town. He returned to Ramsgate many times over the years, performing at various theatre's and appearing at charity events. He even wrote a screenplay called "The Ghost of St. Michael's" (1941), which was set in a fictional school in Ramsgate and featured many local landmarks.

However, Hay's connection with Ramsgate went beyond his work in entertainment. He was a keen sailor and owned a boat called the "Will-O-The-Wisp," which he moored in Ramsgate Harbour. He spent many summers sailing around the Kent coast and taking part in local regattas. He was also a member of the Royal Temple Yacht Club, which is still located in Ramsgate today.

In 1936, Hay was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Ramsgate in recognition of his contributions to the town. He was presented with the honour at a ceremony at the Town Hall, where he gave a speech and thanked the people of Ramsgate for their support. He later described the ceremony as one of the proudest moments of his life.

Today, Ramsgate still celebrates Will Hay's legacy in the town. The Granville Theatre, where Hay first performed, has been restored and is now a popular entertainment venue, and the Royal Temple Yacht Club still holds regattas and events throughout the year. Visitors to Ramsgate can also explore the town's rich history and enjoy its charming seaside atmosphere, just as Will Hay did during his visits.

In conclusion, Will Hay's connection with Ramsgate is a testament to the impact that the town had on his life and career. His love of sailing, his appreciation of the town's landmarks and attractions, and the warm welcome he received from the people of Ramsgate, all contributed to his affection for this special place. Today, Ramsgate continues to celebrate its association with one of Britain's most beloved comedic actors, and his legacy lives on in the town he loved so much.

Will Hay House Plaque

Will Hay - 1888 to 1949 - Lived in Guildford Lawn 1921 to 1927

Will Hay House - Guildford Lawn - Georgian Terraced Houses

These were built by William Saxby in 1842 with curved bays and round doorways - Will Hay moved in 79 years after construction, I have yet to find out the previous occupiers

Will Hay Norbury

Will Hays Home

Will Hay moved here from Guildford Lawn Ramsgate , and carried out his other vocation Astronomy

English actor and comedian Will Hay lived in Norbury at one point in his life. Will Hay was born in Stockton-on-Tees in 1888 and had a successful career in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous films and radio programs. He moved to Norbury in the 1930s and lived in a house on Craignish Avenue, where he remained until his death in 1949. A blue plaque was installed on the house in 2006 to commemorate his time there.

Will Hay Norbury

The Chase, Norbury

Will Hay Norbury

The Chase, Norbury

Will Hay

Will Hay Actor

Will Hay was a British actor, comedian, and writer who enjoyed immense popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his unique brand of humour, which often revolved around his bumbling, hapless characters who found themselves in absurd situations. Hay's contribution to the British entertainment industry is significant, and his legacy as one of the most beloved comedic actors of his time endures to this day.

Hay was born in Stockton-on-Tees, England, in 1888. Before he began his career in entertainment, he worked as a teacher and even became headmaster of a school in London. However, he had always harboured a passion for the stage, and in 1910, he left teaching to pursue acting full-time. Over the next few years, he honed his craft as a comedian and worked in a variety of venues, including music halls and theatres.

Hay's big break came in 1922 when he was cast in a revue at the Hippodrome Theatre in London. His performance was a hit, and he soon became a regular on the London stage. He also began to make appearances in films, often playing comedic supporting roles.

In 1934, Hay starred in his first leading role in the film "Those Were the Days." The movie was a huge success, and Hay's portrayal of a bumbling schoolteacher named William Potts was especially popular. Hay went on to play Potts in several more films, including "Good Morning, Boys" (1937) and "Hey! Hey! USA" (1938). The character of William Potts became a signature role for Hay and endeared him to audiences across the country.

Hay continued to work in films throughout the 1940s, often collaborating with the comedians Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. The trio appeared in a series of films together, including "Oh, Mr. Porter!" (1937) and "Ask a Policeman" (1939). The films were immensely popular and helped to solidify Hay's reputation as one of Britain's most beloved comedic actors.

Hay's career slowed down in the 1950s as he struggled with health problems. However, he continued to work in entertainment, making occasional appearances on television and radio. He also wrote several books, including an autobiography titled "The Days We Went To Gloucester" (1950).

Will Hay passed away in 1949 at the age of 60. However, his influence on British comedy can still be felt today. He paved the way for future generations of comedic actors and writers, and his unique brand of humour continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.

Will Hay Astronomer

William "Will" Hay (1888-1949) was a British comedian, actor, and writer, known for his comedy films in the 1930s and 1940s. While he played the role of an astronomer in several of his films, he was not a real astronomer and had no formal training or education in the field.

In his films, Hay often portrayed a bumbling, incompetent astronomer who made comical mistakes while observing the stars or operating telescopes.

Some of his most famous films in this genre include "Oh, Mr. Porter!" (1937), "Ask a Policeman" (1939), and "The Ghost of St. Michael's" (1941).

Despite his lack of formal training in astronomy, Hay was known for his interest in the subject and reportedly owned a telescope, which he used to observe the night sky.

His portrayal of an astronomer in his films helped to popularize astronomy and make it more accessible to the general public.

In conclusion, while Will Hay played the role of an astronomer in his films, he was not a real astronomer and had no formal training in the field.

Will Hay Family Man

Will Hay was married twice and had three children. His first wife was Gladys Perkins, whom he married in 1910. They had two children together, a son named John and a daughter named Joan. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1929.

In 1932, Hay married his second wife, Dorothy Muriel Gibbons, who was also his manager. They had one daughter together, named Virginia. Hay was reportedly a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, despite his busy career as a comedian and actor.

Hay's son, John Hay, followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor, appearing in several films and TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Hay's daughter, Joan, also worked in the entertainment industry as a costume designer.

Overall, while Will Hay's career as a comedian and actor was his primary focus, he was also a family man who was devoted to his wife and children.