Biography
Melvyn was born on 11th January 1935, the third of four sons.
His parents were of Jewish descent, and the family all lived above their men’s outfitting shop in the Wandsworth Road, South London.
Melvyn and his brothers were evacuated to Dawlish in Devon when war broke out in 1939. However, they returned to London in 1944 and lived in Clapham for the rest of the war.
Melvyn passed his 11 plus exam and, in 1946, attended Sir Walter St John’s Grammar School in Battersea and represented the school in chess and boxing.
Neither being very academic nor tall, Melvyn left school at fifteen to train as a jockey. Since this turned out to be a rather unsuccessful career, he entered the world of entertainment and, in 1950, first earned his living climbing a rope and disappearing twice daily for the magician The Great Masoni.
For the next seventy-five years, he built a huge acting reputation, starting in local repertory theatres, then moving into films and television, playing many parts alongside famous household names.
In 1957 he played young Frankenstein in The Curse of Frankenstein starring Peter Cushing as the older character.
In 1958 he signed a film contract with Associated British Corporation where he starred in No Trees In The Street.
His parents were of Jewish descent, and the family all lived above their men’s outfitting shop in the Wandsworth Road, South London.
Melvyn and his brothers were evacuated to Dawlish in Devon when war broke out in 1939. However, they returned to London in 1944 and lived in Clapham for the rest of the war.
Melvyn passed his 11 plus exam and, in 1946, attended Sir Walter St John’s Grammar School in Battersea and represented the school in chess and boxing.
Neither being very academic nor tall, Melvyn left school at fifteen to train as a jockey. Since this turned out to be a rather unsuccessful career, he entered the world of entertainment and, in 1950, first earned his living climbing a rope and disappearing twice daily for the magician The Great Masoni.
For the next seventy-five years, he built a huge acting reputation, starting in local repertory theatres, then moving into films and television, playing many parts alongside famous household names.
In 1957 he played young Frankenstein in The Curse of Frankenstein starring Peter Cushing as the older character.
In 1958 he signed a film contract with Associated British Corporation where he starred in No Trees In The Street.
During the 1960’s he then acted alongside Cliff Richard and The Shadows in three top box-office-grossing films; The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, and Wonderful Life.
His own big television break came in 1973 when he landed the part of Bombardier Gloria Beaumont in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, which ran for nine years on the BBC.
He also starred in major West End theatrical productions, performed in cabarets, and topped the bill in pantomimes for over forty years, including a memorable seasons at The London Palladium.
In 1981 Melvyn was the subject of This Is Your Life, presented by the late Eamonn Andrews.
Melvyn recently featured on Talking Pictures TV and is still offered acting roles at the young age of ninety.
He is honoured to be a member and past ‘King’ of the ‘Grand Order of Water Rats’ and in March 2025 was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.
Melvyn likes to keep fit and regularly visits his local gym.
Married three times, Melvyn is the proud father of eight children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He currently lives in South London with his youngest daughter and her husband.
His own big television break came in 1973 when he landed the part of Bombardier Gloria Beaumont in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, which ran for nine years on the BBC.
He also starred in major West End theatrical productions, performed in cabarets, and topped the bill in pantomimes for over forty years, including a memorable seasons at The London Palladium.
In 1981 Melvyn was the subject of This Is Your Life, presented by the late Eamonn Andrews.
Melvyn recently featured on Talking Pictures TV and is still offered acting roles at the young age of ninety.
He is honoured to be a member and past ‘King’ of the ‘Grand Order of Water Rats’ and in March 2025 was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.
Melvyn likes to keep fit and regularly visits his local gym.
Married three times, Melvyn is the proud father of eight children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He currently lives in South London with his youngest daughter and her husband.