Ted Willis, Baron Willis facts for kids

Edward Henry Willis, Baron Willis (born January 13, 1914 – died December 22, 1992) was a famous English writer. He wrote many plays, books, and TV shows. He was also active in politics, supporting the Labour Party. In 1941, he became a leader in the Young Communist League, which was a youth group linked to the Communist Party of Great Britain.

Early Life and War Service

Ted Willis was born in Tottenham, England. He was the third child in his family. His father worked as a bus driver. When Ted was 14, he told his headmaster he wanted to be a writer. His headmaster laughed and said he would never be one. But Ted didn't give up!

In 1937, Ted became the Chairman of the Labour League of Youth. This was a youth group for the Labour Party. In 1939, he joined the Young Communist League. He also wrote about plays for a newspaper called the Daily Worker.

When World War II started in 1939, Ted joined the Royal Fusiliers, a part of the British Army. He later worked in the Army's film service. During the war, he often spoke at meetings. He wanted the Allies to open a "second front" to help the Soviet Union fight against Nazi Germany.

Amazing Writing Career

Ted Willis loved writing plays from a young age. He wrote plays for the Unity Theatre during the war. This theatre was in a former church building.

He became very well known for creating the TV series Dixon of Dock Green. This show was about a kind policeman and ran for over 20 years! Ted was good friends with a real policeman named Gordon Snashall, whose stories inspired the show.

From 1958 to 1964, Ted was the Chairman of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain. This group helps writers. He also created many other British TV shows. Some of these include The Adventures of Black Beauty, Sergeant Cork, and Mrs Thursday.

Ted Willis was one of the most active TV writers in the 1950s. He was even listed in the Guinness Book of Records. He was called the world's most productive writer for television! Besides TV, he wrote 34 plays for the stage and many movies. In the 1970s, he started writing novels. These included exciting spy stories and thrillers set during wartime.

Awards and Special Honours

On January 21, 1964, Ted Willis received a very special honour. He was given a life peerage by the Labour Party. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords. His new title was Baron Willis, of Chislehurst in Kent.

In 1959, Ted was featured on the TV show This Is Your Life. This show surprised famous people by telling their life story.

Arms of Ted Willis, Baron Willis

Coronet Coronet of a Baron Crest In front of a Weeping Willow Tree a Well Head proper Escutcheon Or a Saltire Gules on a Chief Vert three Fountains Supporters On either side a Willet (Common Snipe) proper supporting with the beak a Quill Or Motto Will well

Personal Life

Ted Willis married an actress named Audrey Hale in 1944. They had a son and a daughter together. He passed away from a heart attack at his home in Chislehurst, Kent, in December 1992. He was 78 years old. Ted was buried in Tottenham Cemetery.

Selected Works

Ted Willis wrote a huge amount! Here are just a few examples of his many works:

Plays

• Buster (1943)
• Doctor in the House (1957)
• Hot Summer Night (1958)

Films

• Holiday Camp (1947)
• The Blue Lamp (1950)
• Trouble in Store (1953)
• Woman in a Dressing Gown (1957)

Television Shows

• Dixon of Dock Green (1955–1976)
• Sergeant Cork (1963–1969)
• The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972–1974)

Novels

• Whatever Happened to Tom Mix? (1970)
• The Left-Handed Sleeper (1977)
• The Lions of Judah (1981)