Roy Rene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roy Rene
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Bronze statue of Roy Rene in Hindley Street, Adelaide. Created by Robert Hannaford.
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Henry van der Sluys
15 February 1891 Adelaide, Australia
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| Died | 22 November 1954 (aged 63) Sydney, Australia
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| Years active | 1901–1952 |
Roy Rene (born Henry van der Sluys on February 15, 1891 – died November 22, 1954) was a very famous Australian comedian. He was also a vaudeville performer, which means he acted in live stage shows with different acts. People knew him best as Mo McCackie. He was one of Australia's most successful comedians in the 1900s.
In 2011, a recording from 1927 of Rene and Nat Phillips performing as "Stiffy and Mo" was added to Australia's National Film and Sound Archive. This special list is called Sounds of Australia.
Contents
Who Was Roy Rene?
Roy Rene was born in Adelaide, South Australia. He was the fourth of seven children. His parents were Jewish and came from Dutch and English backgrounds. His birth name was Henry van der Sluice, but it was later spelled "van der Sluys."
When he was 10, "Harry" (as he was called) won a singing contest in Adelaide. In 1905, he started performing professionally. He appeared in a pantomime show called Sinbad the Sailor. He sang and danced in a style known as "blackface," which involved painting one's face. This practice is now seen as offensive and is no longer used.
Moving to Melbourne and a New Name
Around 1905, Harry's family moved to Melbourne. For a short time, Harry worked as an apprentice jockey. He always loved horse racing. Even though his father didn't want him to, Harry got a job in July 1908. He performed in a vaudeville show at the Gaiety Theatre.
Harry was of medium height. He had dark hair, pale skin, and large brown eyes. His stage name was 'Boy Roy'. He often showed a sad or touching side in his acts. He spent his free time watching famous English comedians. In 1910, he moved to Sydney and changed his stage name to Roy Rene. He chose "Rene" after a famous French clown. He then toured New South Wales with small theater groups.
The Birth of 'Mo' and 'Stiffy and Mo'
In 1914, a producer named Ben Fuller saw Rene performing in Sydney. Fuller hired him to tour New Zealand. During this time, Rene developed his unique comedy style. He also perfected the black and white make-up that became his famous look.
When he returned to Sydney in 1915, he joined a new show. In July 1916, Rene, now known as 'Mo', teamed up with comedian Nat Phillips, known as 'Stiffy'. They became the very popular duo Stiffy and Mo. They were famous for their funny, cheeky comedy. Their first show in Sydney was a huge hit. They later performed in a big pantomime called The Bunyip.
On March 29, 1917, Henry van der Sluice married an actress named Dorothy Davis. They did not have children and later divorced in 1929.
Stiffy and Mo's Success and Split
'Stiffy and Mo' performed all over Australia and were very successful. But in 1925, they had a disagreement and decided to stop working together. Rene continued his tour with another performer, Mike Connors, who played the "straight man" (the serious person who sets up the jokes).
In 1925–26, Rene also had great success in a serious play. He rejoined Nat Phillips in 1927, and 'Stiffy and Mo' once again broke box-office records. However, their partnership ended for good in New Zealand in 1928. Rene returned to Sydney with his own group, "Mo and his Merrymakers."
On July 3, 1929, Rene married again. His new wife was Sadie Gale (1902–1997), who was also in his comedy group. Six months later, he became very sick while performing in a show and almost died.
Tough Times and a New Medium
Rene returned to the stage in mid-1930. But business was slow because of the Great Depression. Rene and Sadie had to tour smaller theaters in Sydney. They also did a short show season in New Zealand.
In 1934, Roy Rene made his only movie, Strike Me Lucky. However, movies were not his best way to perform. He needed to be with a live audience to make his comedy work.
During World War II, Rene performed for huge crowds. But his contract was not renewed in 1945.
Roy Rene on the Radio
In 1946, Roy Rene started working in radio. He signed a contract to appear in a show called Calling the Stars. This show had a live audience in Sydney. His part of the show, called "McCackie Mansion," was very popular. In this segment, 'Mo' played a suburban homeowner. His life was often made difficult by his family, neighbors, and friends. He later appeared in other radio shows too.
Rene briefly returned to the stage in 1949. By the time his radio contract ended in 1950, he was not in good health. He appeared in a radio show called McCackie Manor in 1951. In 1952, he starred in The New Atlantic Show, which was popular across the country.
Roy Rene passed away on November 22, 1954, from heart disease. He was buried in the Jewish section of Rookwood Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Even though he wasn't well-known outside Australia, famous visitors like Dame Sybil Thorndike and Jack Benny called 'Mo' a comedy genius. They compared him to Charlie Chaplin. He was known for playing the typical Australian "larrikin" (a mischievous person). But some of his funniest moments were when he pretended to be fancy, like in his funny version of Noël Coward's Private Lives with Sadie.
He was also a Freemason.
Roy Rene's Lasting Impact
Roy Rene's memory lives on through the Mo Awards. These awards are given every year to celebrate great live performances. The award statue looks like Roy Rene in his Mo McCackie character.
Garry McDonald played Roy Rene/Mo in a play called Young Mo in 1977. He also played him on television in the 1980s.
Images for kids
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Bronze statue of Roy Rene in Hindley Street, Adelaide. Created by Robert Hannaford.
