Actor. He is recognized as an Australian-born English actor, who was not only an actor but a singer and dancer. Born the son of pianist Gordon Whelan, he started his career entertaining miners at the Western Australian gold fields, before entertaining on the stage of English musical halls by 1901. He came onto the stage whistling his signature tune, a waltz from "Die Lustige Brüder." Some credit him with having the first signature song. Besides playing his violin and singing, he did impersonations. He is credited with 18 films including "Matinee Idol" in 1933 and "Danny Boy" in 1941. Never in the role of the leading man, he played the roles of a minor characters. During his career, he recorded 58 albums. In 1957, he was the honored guest on the BBC television program, "This Is Your Life."
Actor. He is recognized as an Australian-born English actor, who was not only an actor but a singer and dancer. Born the son of pianist Gordon Whelan, he started his career entertaining miners at the Western Australian gold fields, before entertaining on the stage of English musical halls by 1901. He came onto the stage whistling his signature tune, a waltz from "Die Lustige Brüder." Some credit him with having the first signature song. Besides playing his violin and singing, he did impersonations. He is credited with 18 films including "Matinee Idol" in 1933 and "Danny Boy" in 1941. Never in the role of the leading man, he played the roles of a minor characters. During his career, he recorded 58 albums. In 1957, he was the honored guest on the BBC television program, "This Is Your Life."
Bio by: Linda Davis
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