An air of almost smug disdain would hang over his characters like a grey cloud. Yet he could end up being a ray of sunshine with that cloud. Stage or screen, comedy or drama, playing butler or Lord Commander, Englishman Cecil Parker was born in 1897 and took an avid interest in performing following his discharge from World War I military service. Making his professional stage bow in 1922, he appeared in London's West End three years later and by the advent of sound could be found on film. Not surprisingly he fitted the support mold perfectly with his raspy, well-bred tones and stuffed-shirt personality, but by the late 40s he was actually toying with post-war character stardom with top-billed roles. Such films as _Captain Boycott . Parker died in 1971.
Educated at Xavier College and Bruges.
Active service during the First World War delayed his stage debut until 1922 at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, with Charles Dorans Shakesperian company.
Following stints with the Huddersfield Repertory Company and the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, he made his London stage debut with the Liverpool Repertory Company at the Everyman in 1925.
Made his first appearance on the New York stage in 1950 in Daphne Laurelo with Dame Edith Evans.
His favourite role was often quoted as that of Charles Condamine in Noel Cowards farce "Blithe Spirit". It ran for 1,997 performances, (from 1941), few of which Parker missed, establishing his reputation as one of Britains foremost comedy actors. He himself contributed a sketch.
