Trinder, Tommy (Thomas Edward) (1909–1989)

English comedian and actor. A jaunty, cheerful performer, he was a master of ad lib and the quick retort; his catchphrase was ‘You lucky people’. He appeared in revues such as Happy and Glorious and Best Bib and Tucker, and also played the leading man in films like Champagne Charlie (1944). A football enthusiast, he was chairman of Fulham football club 1955–76.

Trinder's first big opportunity came in 1939 when he was invited to join the Band Waggon show at the London Palladium; he later compered the ITV show Sunday Night at the London Palladium (1954–58). During World War II he travelled to Italy, the Middle East, and the Far East to entertain the troops. His films of the period include Sailors Three (1940) and The Bells Go Down (1943).

Born in Streatham, London, he made stage debut at the age of 12, and went on to gain experience in small-town variety shows. He continued to perform until his late seventies.