Fred Karno - Definition and Overview

Fred Karno - the stage name of Frederick John Westcott (March 26, 1866 - September 18 , 1941) - was a theatre impressario.

Among the young comedians who worked for him were Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel. These were what was known as "Fred Karno's army", a phrase still occasionally in use in the UK.

He went bankrupt in 1921.

His houseboat, the Astoria, on the Thames at Henley, is now used as a recording studio by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour.

External links

• Richmond upon Thames Libraries' page (http://www.richmond.gov.uk/depts/opps/eal/leisure/libraries/history/notes/07.htm)
• Biography (http://www.times1190.freeserve.co.uk/karno.htm)