Dave King (actor)

Dave King (23 June 1929 – 15 April 2002) was an English comedian, actor and vocalist of popular songs. He is best remembered as the corrupt policeman, 'Parky', in the British gangster film, The Long Good Friday (1980).

Life and career

Born David Kingshott in Twickenham, Middlesex, England, King left school at 12 and joined the Morton Fraser Harmonica Gang at 15. He did his National Service in the RAF and was in the unit's repertory company, returning to variety on demob and later becoming a solo act. An appearance on Television Music Hall led to compering Show Case and being given a monthly series on the BBC in 1955. The next year he turned to singing while continuing to perform on television. During the seaside summer season of 1956 he performed at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. He starred in "The Dave King Show". During the 1950s he also starred in the same show alongside Shani Wallis. In 1958 King moved to ITV with The Dave King Show which was song, dance and comedy with famous guests of the day.