Legends in two lunchtimes

The latest podcast reminded me that many entertainers manage to reinvent themselves far better than any Madonna or Kylie.

As a kid, I always knew Ralph McTell for Streets of London, but my sister, who's 10 years younger than me only recognises him from the kids programmes Alphabet Zoo and Tickle On The Tum.

Similarly Bernard Cribbins... for the likes of Mssrs Hepworth and Ellen, he's known as a quality comic actor and singer of tunes such as Right Said Fred.

Being a few years younger, however, I grew up with Bernard Cribbins as the voice of The Wombles.

There will be younger people than I who will not know Neil Morrissey as an actor in the likes of Boon or Men Behaving Badly, but as the voice of Bob The Builder.

Can anyone else think of similar entertainment greats (OK, I'm stretching it a little with Neil Morrisey) who have achieved legendary status in more than one field?

Michael Hordern...

...was, I gather, quite respected. But to me he was the voice of Paddington.

Lucas Hare | 11 April 2008 - 8:57pm

Sir Ian McKellen...

despite being one of our finest actors in many fields, is probably known to millions worldwide purely as Gandalf.

Huw Williams | 11 April 2008 - 9:32pm

Those two blokes who used to present Whistle Test

Whatever happened to them?

Archie Valparaiso | 11 April 2008 - 9:41pm

I believe...

they were last spotted doing their rock n' roll magic show at Potters Bar gentlemen's club.

Patrick Crowther | 12 April 2008 - 9:05am

Potters Bar

Potters Bar has a gentlemen's club?

Lucas Hare | 12 April 2008 - 9:11am

Errr...

maybe!

Patrick Crowther | 12 April 2008 - 9:12am

I live ten minutes away

I'll get back to you!

Lucas Hare | 12 April 2008 - 9:17am

Oh

Andy Kershaw's resting., and Bob Harris has been on the radio, I believe

Jeremy irons will always be Mr Playaway to me....

Paul Holmes | 11 April 2008 - 10:20pm

What about...

...Ringo Starr's turn, narrating 'Thomas The Tank Engine'? I personally was aware of him there before I realised it was the same guy who played drums in The Beatles!

JJ | 12 April 2008 - 9:07am