Spike Milligan

Spike played the double bass, guitar, and trumpet in a variety of dance bands. Whilst drifting from one poorly paid day job to another. Spike was drafted into the Royal Artillery in 1939, wounded in action in Italy and declared unfit for combat to entertain the troops. After the war Spike concentrated on comedy, writing the famous Goon shows. Establishing him as Britain's top comedy performer and writer. Spike founded Associated London scripts with Eric Sykes and set up an office in Shepherds Bush. Sykes and Milligan were lifelong friends and purchased an old Victorian House in Bayswater where they ran ALS and their own business until 1986 when Spike sold up his half of the building to Sykes. The Goons caused mayhem on radio throughout the 1950s and were hugely successful, this unique humour paved the way for a whole new style of comedy. Spike's innovative Q series on TV inspired countless new young comedians. And when he wasn’t breaking new ground as a broadcaster Spike found time to appear on stage in plays and shows. He starred in over a dozen movies and began writing books. Since the publication of his first book, Silly Verses for Kids in 1959, Spike has produced more than 90 titles covering poetry scripts, general humour, children's stories, novels, and his highly acclaimed series of war memoirs. Making him one of Britain’s most successful and best-loved authors. In 1992 Spike was awarded his CBE for his work as an entertainer, broadcaster, and writer. And in 1994 he received a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards. At the age of 81, Spike was made an Honorary KBE. He died at his home in Rye in 2002 at the age of 83.