Biografi
Oliver Wakefield, known as "The Voice of Inexperience," has been characterized as an English comedian with an American sense of humor. A master of dry, unfinished sentences and sharp remarks, Wakefield possesses a remarkable talent for biting sarcasm and insightful observations of human quirks. Although his words may initially appear nonsensical, he leaves audiences with the impression that, much like "The Melancholy Dane," there is "method in his madness." Specializing in making nonsense sound philosophical—and vice versa—he was born to be a comedian. Who else can truthfully claim to have been born in Zululand, South Africa? Few Zulu comedians have made a mark in show business. After his unique start, Oliver stayed in Africa long enough to complete a formal education before moving to England to join a Shakespearean repertory company. He later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for further training. During his studies, he developed a distinctive comedic style and quickly gained recognition in nightclubs and music halls as a clever and versatile performer. He was the first Resident Comedian on the BBC and a pioneer in British television. Wakefield starred in and played featured roles for Warner Brothers and Gainsborough Pictures alongside top British talents like Gracie Fields, Anne Crawford, Glynis Johns, and Patricia Roc, frequently performing at prestigious venues including the Savoy, The Berkeley, The Ritz, and Cafe de Paris. Scheduled to debut at New York's Rainbow Room shortly after the outbreak of World War II, he chose to remain in England and joined the RAF. After the war, Wakefield returned to entertainment, spending a year performing in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, followed by a 52-week radio series for the Australian Broadcasting Commission. In 1952, he returned to the U.S. and quickly re-established himself at New York's Blue Angel, becoming recognized as a notable British presence. He charmed audiences at Blue Angel, Number One Fifth Avenue, Ruban Bleu, and Bon Soir, and made successful appearances on shows such as All Star Revue, Kate Smith, and Steve Allen. His final Broadway appearance was in the Bette Davis revue "TWO'S COMPANY" at the Alvin Theatre in New York. Oliver Wakefield's act defies easy description. It has been noted that while his understanding of current affairs is profound, his ability to articulate them is uniquely humorous. Sporting a distinguished handlebar mustache, he cuts the figure of a quintessential English gentleman—his true persona—and writes his own material. With casual wit, he quips that "Britain has built herself up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty," sharing a confident prediction that "They will get an American loan even if they have to borrow the money." In Canada, besides frequent appearances on CBS's Frigidair TV Show, he set a record with a fourteen-week run at Montreal's upscale "Ruby Foos" and hosted his own TV panel show, "Make a Match." Combining his motion picture and dramatic experience, Variety aptly summarized his career: "Wakefield seems strong for any medium.
