Stuart Wagstaff facts for kids

Stuart Wagstaff AM (February 13, 1925 – March 10, 2015) was a well-known entertainer from Australia. He was born in England and became famous for his work in theatre, television, and movies. Stuart Wagstaff was also involved in managing music and stage shows.

He was born in Great Durnford, England. Stuart grew up on a farm with his parents and two older sisters. His mother often took him and his sisters to see plays and pantomimes. This helped him become interested in the arts from a young age.

In September 1940, Stuart joined the Royal Navy. He became an apprentice aircraft mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm. He worked at naval air stations and on aircraft carriers until the war ended. Stuart often volunteered for ship concert parties to practice his acting skills.

Career Highlights

Early Acting Days

After the war, Stuart Wagstaff joined the Windsor Repertory theatre. He started as an assistant stage manager and sometimes took small acting roles. Later, he joined the Whitley repertory theatre. There, he acted in many plays and pantomimes each year. He also had a few roles in West End shows, films, and television.

Stuart first came to Australia in 1958 for a theatre show called Not in the Book. In 1959, he joined the original Australian production of My Fair Lady. He worked on this show for over four years. For two and a half of those years, he played the main character, Professor Henry Higgins. He performed this role in all the major cities of Australia and New Zealand. After My Fair Lady, he took on the main male role in The Sound of Music.

Becoming a TV Star

Stuart Wagstaff's first television appearances in Australia were in commercials. He also had a role in a 1960 play called Seagulls Over Sorrento. He appeared in other TV dramas like Whiplash and The Hungry Ones.

In 1964, he hosted the Channel 7 variety show Studio 'A'. The next year, he became the "Beast" on the Channel 7 daytime show, Beauty and the Beast. This show made him one of Australia's most loved television personalities. While working on Beauty and the Beast, he also acted in several stage plays. He even presented a news program called The Wagstaff Report.

In 1968, he hosted a major Tonight show on the Seven Network. Later, he moved to the Nine Network. He became a regular host on In Melbourne Tonight. For the next three years, he hosted other shows on the Nine Network. These included The Sound of Music and a late-night interview show.

A Message About Advertising

Stuart Wagstaff's smooth style led him to advertise Benson & Hedges cigarettes. His famous slogan was "When only the best will do..."

Years later, Stuart shared that he regretted his work with the tobacco industry. He said he was worried that he might have encouraged people to start smoking. He felt that even though the ads were meant to make smokers change brands, some people might have started smoking because of them. He truly regretted this.

Cigarette advertising on TV was banned in Australia in 1976. However, the company continued to pay him for many years after that. They believed that when people saw him, they would still think of Benson & Hedges.

Later Career and Passing

After spending three years in Hollywood, Stuart Wagstaff returned to Australia in 1975. He quickly became busy with many TV appearances. He was a regular guest on shows like Celebrity Squares and Blankety Blanks. He also hosted Stuart Wagstaff's World Playhouse for seven seasons.

Besides television, Stuart loved working in the theatre. In 1979, he played Professor Higgins again in My Fair Lady. He also helped produce this successful national tour. He later toured as the narrator in Rocky Horror Show. In 1982, he had a main role in the play Noises Off. He also hosted the Midday Movie and Friday Night Movies on the Seven Network for two years.

In the 1990s, Stuart Wagstaff appeared in TV shows like G.P., A Country Practice, and All Saints. He was often a guest on The Midday Show and Good Morning Australia. He also appeared on many live broadcasts for Channel 7 Perth's Telethon, which raises money for charity. He continued to perform on stage in plays like Black Comedy and the musical Crazy For You. He also played Mr. Brownlow in the famous production of Oliver!.

Stuart Wagstaff passed away on March 10, 2015, at the age of 90. He died from complications related to a lung illness.

Honours

On January 26, 1998, Stuart Wagstaff was given a special award. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This award recognized his service to the community. He was especially honored for his work with the Channel 7 Perth Telethon Trust. He helped raise a lot of money for charities that support medical research for children.