Will Fyfe


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Will Fyffe comedian and actor was born on 16 February 1885 at 36 Ferry Road, Dundee, the eldest child of John Fyffe (1864–1928), ship's carpenter, and Janet Rhynd Cunningham (1858–1949), music teacher. He was a major Scottish entertainer, appearing on stage, radio, television and film. His fame perhaps equalled Harry Lauder's and he was known for his breadth of characterisations. Fyffe wrote and recorded the song 'I Belong to Glasgow' which made him a world wide star. He also developed a successful stage partnership with Harry Gordon, playing opposite him in pantomime for many years.

Fyffe was so popular that a variety theatre in Glasgow ran a 'Will Fyffe' competition. Dozens of hopefuls entered, to sing 'I belong to Glasgow'. Will, a great joker, entered for a bet. Heavily disguised as himself, he won second prize. After an operation on his right ear in December 1947 Fyffe went to recuperate at the hotel he had bought in St Andrews. On 14 December he fell from the window of his suite and died in the local cottage hospital from the shock and injuries received. He was buried at the Western Necropolis in Glasgow on Wednesday 17 December 1947.

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