Buster Fiddess
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Buster Fiddess (c. 1910 – 14 January 1972) born Fiddes, presumably changed as a pronunciation guide, was an Australian comedian, best known for his work in vaudeville and television variety shows. He was described as a "rubber-faced comedian"[1] who "wore tails and walked like a mechanically wound-up man, with a straight back and straight, long, fair hair".[2]
History
Nothing has been found of his origin.
Joshua Fiddes (aged 25) and Buster Leslie Fiddes (22), were working for the notorious dance/cabaret Graham's Club ("a law unto itself" in a basement, Hunter Street, Sydney) in October 1936,[3] when they were fined for serving alcohol in unlicensed premises. They developed a routine as "Fiddes Brothers, acrobats and eccentric dancers from America",[a] and were engaged on the Tivoli circuit during 1936–37,[4]. then other shows in NSW.[5] Joshua has been lost to history, but in December 1937 Buster Fiddes was advertised as "Australia's youngest and funniest comedian".[6]
Though he was already well known in circus, and "over the air"[7] (radio),[b] his first appearance as a stage comedian was with Billy Heaton's troupe as a vocalist and comedian from July[9] to August 1939,[10] ably supported by John Carfax.[11][c]
On the Tivoli circuit he was closely associated with George Wallace.[7]
He made the news for all the wrong reasons in November 1945, when he was the target of one of a string of bashings in Sydney, though on this occasion the assailants were frightened off by Fiddess's dog.[13]
He was associated with Will Mahoney's "Pleasure Bound" revue at the Cremorne, Brisbane, in July–August 1948. His performances included "Kiddington", a satirical mind reading act.[14]
He was one of a cavalcade of Australian entertainers who performed for the troops in October 1970 Vietnam during the "American War".
Veteran comedian Buster Fiddess was a big hit with a large group of troops when he performed at the 1st Australian Task Force Base (1ATF), at Nui Dat. He was a member of the Sydney Concert Party which toured Australian, and some American bases in the war zone this month. The concert party also included three female vocalists, Helen Noonan, Sylvia Raye and Mary Jane Boyde and fourteen members of the Sydney ABC Show Band, with compere Gordon Boyde.[15]
Perhaps his last TV appearance was Carry On Spike in Australia on Channel 9 on 20 March 1972. The show, compered by John Laws and starring Spike Milligan, included appearances by Ruth Cracknell and John Meillon. He died suddenly at his home in Collaroy, New South Wales.[1]
On 6 February 1972, a benefit concert to assist his family was held in the State Theatre. Among stars taking part were Bobby Limb and Dawn Lake, Graham Kennedy, Johnny Lockwood, Stuart Wagstaff, Tony Barber, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Col Joye, Kamahl, Little Pattie, Gordon Boyd, and Johnny Farnham.[2]
Fiddess was married with five children.
Notes
- This assertion was never repeated, so may have been an attempt by a publicist to improve their public profile.
