Biography

 

Birth name
Michael Patrick Dumble-Smith

Date of birth & location
January 19, 1942
Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK

Height
5' 10" (1.78 m)

Sign

Education
Attended Oakfield School in Dulwich, England. Left school at age 15. Attended St. Michael's College in Bexley, England. (Courtesy of Broadway.com)

Spouse (Divorced 1965 - 1971)
Gabrielle Lewis

Trade mark
Known for his roles, Frank Spencer in "Some Mothers do Ave Em" and the Phantom in the stage production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera"

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Michael was born Michael Patrick Dumble-Smith on January 19, 1942, in Salisbury, in Wiltshire, England.

He was raised by his mother with the aid of his grandmother, who he became very attached to and shared a life-long bond. Michael's relationship with his abusive stepfather was explosive. Michael was not particularly a gifted student but his love of singing in the school choir led him to his first role in Benjamin Britten's, Let's Make an Opera. At the age of fifteen Michael left school to tour in the Britten’s production.

Odd to think Michael Crawford, who has won world acclaim for his portrayal of Erik in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, took his name after seeing it on a biscuit billboard. Michael needed to change his name to avoid confusion with a television newsman so while walking home one day he saw a large biscuit sign which read “Crawford’s Biscuits are Best” and the named jumped out at him. He simply liked the sound of it.

Radio shows and children’s movies dominated Michael’s career. It wasn’t until 1962 when his career began to blossom. Larger roles opened up to Michael in The War Lover, starring Steve McQueen, and a hit on the stage in the Neil Simon comedy, Come Blow Your Horn.

Comedy suited Michael and next on his docket was the BBC television series, Not So Much a Programme, More a Way of Life, Michael played the part of motor-cyclist punk, Byron, next was The Knack...and How to Get It and A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum. Later he played a romantic hero in How I Won the War.

In 1967 he made his Broadway debut in the two plays, White Lies and Black Comedy. The physical comedy attracted Gene Kelly, who casted him in the movie Hello, Dolly.

Michael married his long time girlfriend and love of his life Gabrielle and together they had two lovely daughters Lucy and Emma. Sadly their marriage ended in divorce due to Michael’s infidelity.

Distraught over the divorce, Michael threw himself into his work. 1971 was a good year for him as he played the lead in a British stage charade called No Sex, Please--We're British. Next he was to find stardom as the loveable, yet clumsy Frank Spencer in a BBC TV series called Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. He shot to stardom and the ratings soared. He went on to win the "Funniest Man on TV.

1974 saw Michael in a musical called Billy, and 1979 Flowers For Algernon. These two stage appearances did not last long and Michael found himself back on TV in Chalk and Cheese. Condorman followed and although it was considered a flop to this day has a huge cult fan following.

In 1981 Michael took on the physical challenges and for four years stared in Barnum.

In 1986 Michael was contracted by Andrew Lloyd Webber in what was to be his most infamous role The Phantom. Michael and Sara shared a mutual voice instructor and arriving early one day Webber heard Michael sing and the rest was history. Michael threw himself into the role and before our eyes created the romantic, shy, tormented, and disfigured genius known as the Phantom. Crawford’s incomparable voice, coupled with his vision of a twisted man filled with rage, desire, passion and loneliness created a character who’s portrayal won Michael several awards including an Olivier Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Dram League Award, Drama-Logue Award, the Los Angeles Dram Critics Award and a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical as well and critical acclaim.

After Michael said good bye to the role of Phantom he went on to record several albums and did a world tour of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In 1995 Michael took the role as the Effects Master in a $40 million dollar Las Vegas extravaganza known as EFX! This production was written for Michael with a good portion of collaboration from him. In 1996 Michael sustained an injury due to the strenuous stunts he performed in the show. He was fired and in 1998 filed a law suit against the MGM Grand for the termination of his contract at EFX. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Michael's tour began in 1998 An Evening with Michael Crawford in Concert. 1999 saw the release of his autobiography, The Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied with a String.

In 2002, he returned to Broadway in Dance of the Vampire in honor of his friendship with Steven Barton. The show was not well received and close shortly after its opening in early 2003.

October 2004 saw his return to the West End in the very large :o) role of Count Fosco in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Woman in White.

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