Walter William Bygraves OBE, known by the stage name Max Bygraves (16 October 1922 – 31 August 2012), was an English comedian, singer, actor and variety performer. He appeared on his own television shows, sometimes performing comedy sketches between songs. He made twenty Royal Variety Performance appearances and presented numerous programmes, including Family Fortunes.

Biography

Bygraves married WAAF sergeant Gladys "Blossom" Murray in 1942. The couple had three children: Christine, Anthony and Maxine. Bygraves also had three other children from extramarital affairs: John Rice, Beverly Mayhew-Sass and Stephen Rose.

On 9 August 1974, Bygraves became stuck on a cliff near his house in Westbourne, Bournemouth, when a kite flown by his grandson Michael became trapped beneath the edge of the cliff. He suffered friction burns on his hands and was in shock when police and firefighters helped him to safety.

In 1999, Bygraves underwent treatment for an ear disorder, having cancelled a number of performances on his doctor's advice.

Max and Blossom Bygraves moved from Bournemouth to Queensland, Australia, in 2008. She died there in 2011, aged 88.