Michael Crawford

Michael Patrick Smith,  (born 19 January 1942), known by the professional stage name of Michael Crawford, is a British actor, comedian and singer. Crawford is best known for playing Frank Spencer in the sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Cornelius Hackl in the musical movie Hello, Dolly!, and the main character in the stage musical The Phantom of the Opera.

Career
Before Some Mothers, Michael starred alongside Oliver Read in the 1967 comedy The Jokers, directed by Michael Winner. Michael and Oliver play brother's who endeavor to steal the Crown jewels from the Tower of London. 

Michael Crawford is renowned for his iconic portrayal of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" earning critical acclaim and numerous awards for his performance. Crawford's performance not only made him a household name in the UK but also turned him into an international star. His portrayal of the Phantom is remembered fondly by fans, and many consider him the quintessential Phantom, setting a high standard for those who followed. 

Since 1987, he has been the leader of the Sick Children's Trust as well and acted as a public face for the British social cause organisation.

Crawford was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1987 Birthday Honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours.

He will receive the Kennedy Center Honor in December 2025.

 Personal life 
Crawford has three children. Two, born in 1966 and 1968, were daughters from his first marriage to Gabrielle Lewis.

In 2007, Crawford moved to New Zealand for health reasons, as he was recovering from encephalitis.

References

Other websites




 Michael Crawford – BBC Guide to Comedy

Category:1942 births
Category:Living people
Category:English movie actors
Category:English television actors
Category:English stage actors
Category:English voice actors
Category:English singers
Category:Actors from Kent