Dandy Nichols facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dandy Nichols
Born	Daisy Sander (1907-05-21)21 May 1907 Fulham, London, England
Died	6 February 1986(1986-02-06) (aged 78) Whitechapel, London, England
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1947–1985
Spouse(s)	Stephen Bagueley Waters ​ ​ (m. 1942; div. 1955)​

Dandy Nichols (born Daisy Sander; 21 May 1907 – 6 February 1986) was an English actress. She was famous for playing Else Garnett in the BBC comedy show Till Death Us Do Part. Else was the patient wife of Alf Garnett, a character who made fun of a certain type of working-class person.

Early Life and Acting Career

Starting Out

Dandy Nichols was born Daisy Sander in Fulham, London. She first worked as a secretary in a factory in London. After 12 years, she took classes in drama, speaking, and even fencing. A producer saw her in a charity show and offered her a job. She joined his acting group, called a "repertory theatre company," in Cambridge.

When she first started acting on stage, she used the name Barbara Nichols. Later, she changed it to Dandy, which was her nickname when she was a child.

War and Return to Acting

When the Second World War began, Dandy went back to working in an office. But she later went on a six-week tour with ENSA, an organization that entertained soldiers. After the war, she returned to the theatre. She also started appearing in films. These were usually comedies. She often played characters like a maid or a cleaning lady. She even played a cleaning lady in the music video for "Goody Two Shoes" by Adam Ant.

Stage and Film Successes

Dandy Nichols had many successful roles in theatre. These included plays at the Royal Court Theatre in London and on Broadway in New York. Her first big movie role was in Hue and Cry in 1947. She also appeared in other films like Nicholas Nickleby and The Fallen Idol.

Starring in Till Death Us Do Part

Playing Else Garnett

Dandy Nichols is best known for her role as Else Garnett in the popular TV series Till Death Us Do Part. She played the long-suffering wife of Alf Garnett. Alf was a character who made fun of a working-class person who supported the Tory political party.

Another actress, Gretchen Franklin, first played Else in the pilot episode. But when the show became a full series, Gretchen could not do it. This was because she had a contract for a play in London's West End. So, Dandy Nichols was chosen for the part instead.

Else's Character

At first, Dandy's role seemed small. In one early episode, Else spent most of the time reading the telephone book. This happened while Alf went on one of his long rants. But Else became a great match for Alf. She could easily make him stop with just a look or a sharp comment.

One of her most famous moments was in 1974. Else decided to go on a "three-day week," like Prime Minister Edward Heath had suggested for the country. This meant Alf had to take care of himself and cook on her days off. The BBC even showed this episode again in 1986 to honor Dandy.

A Famous Catchphrase

In the first scripts for the show, Alf was supposed to call his wife a rude name. But the BBC Head of Comedy, Frank Muir, said no. He thought it was not right for TV. Dandy Nichols said it was "a lot of silly fuss about a silly moo." The show's writer, Johnny Speight, heard her say this. "Silly moo" then became a very famous phrase from the series.

In Sickness and in Health

The show Till Death Us Do Part ended in 1975. But it came back in 1981, called Till Death..., and again in 1985. Dandy agreed to be in it. However, she had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that affects joints. She needed to use a wheelchair.

Her illnesses were written into the new scripts. The series was then fittingly renamed In Sickness and in Health. The show continued after her death, with Alf living alone.

Film Appearances

Dandy Nichols appeared in many films throughout her career. Some of these included Carry On Doctor, Ladies Who Do, and The Holly and the Ivy. She was also in the Beatles' movie Help!. Other films she appeared in were Georgy Girl, Doctor in Clover, and O Lucky Man!.

Later Years and Personal Life

After her main role in Till Death Us Do Part, Dandy Nichols continued to work in television. She appeared with Alastair Sim in The Generals Day. She also had roles in shows like Flint, The Tea Ladies, and Bergerac. On stage, she performed in the comedy Plunder. She also acted alongside famous actors like Sir Ralph Richardson and Sir John Gielgud in the play Home. She performed this play in both London and on Broadway.

Dandy Nichols married newspaper editor Stephen Bagueley Waters in 1942. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1955.

Her health was not good, and she had a fall in her flat. She sadly died three days later from pneumonia and heart disease. She was 78 years old. This happened on 6 February 1986, at the London Hospital in Whitechapel.

Television Roles