Celebrities
Gandhi & Chaplin
Mon, 04/10/2010 - 13:49 — Newham Story BFHumerous account of when Gandhi met Chaplin in Canning Town.
Pujji, Squadron Leader, DFC
Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Newham, Sqn Ldr Pujji was an Indian pilot who flew Hawker Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain, he also flew combat missions in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East during the war. He survived several crashes and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for services in Burma.
Roger Griffiths
Roger Griffiths, TV and theatre actor and Chef from Stratford.
Ray Winstone
The Winstone family, who were greengrocers, were living at 82 Caistor Park Road, Plaistow when Ray was born in Hackney Hospital on February 19th, 1957. Ray attended Portway School until he was 7 years old and then his family moved to Enfield. When he was 12 he joined the famous Repton Amateur Boxing Club and, over the next 10 years, won 80 out of 88 bouts. At welterweight, he was London Schoolboy Champion on three occasions, fighting twice for England.
Ray studied acting at the Corona School before being cast by director Alan Clarke as 'Carlin' in the BBC Play production of 'Scum' in 1977. He has appeared in numerous films and TV series over the past 30 years including as Kevin in ‘Quadrophenia’ (1979); Will Scarlet in 24 episodes of 'Robin of Sherwood' (1984); 'Nil By Mouth' (1997); as the voice of Mr Beaver in ‘The chronicles of Narnia’ (2005); as Sweeny Todd in the TV drama of the same name (2006), and in 2008 he will appear in ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’. He is a big football fan and supports West Ham.
Linda Lewis
Singer/songwriter, from Custom House, whose career has spanned 30 years. She had hit singles in 1973: ‘Rock a Doodle Do' and 1975: 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)'. She is the oldest of six children, from mixed-race family in Finch Road, Custom House. She attended Shipman Road School. From an early age, Linda displayed a precocious vocal talent and would often sing in public. Her parents managed the Red House (formerly known as Northumberland Arms), Barking Road, Plaistow.
Kenny Lynch OBE
Kenny Lynch OBE, from Custom House, was one of the few black singers on the British pop scene in the early 1960s. His career as a singer, songwriter, actor, and stand-up comedian has spanned over 50 years.
Charlie Chaplin and Mr Gandhi
The photograph shows Charlie Chaplin and Gandhi at the house of Dr Katial in Beckton Road, Canning Town.
Billy Murray
By Kathy Taylor
Actor, Billy Murray was born in Forest Gate in 1941 and grew up Upton Park, where his mum still lives. He went to St Edwards Primary and St. Bonaventures Secondary school.
Dame Anna Neagle
By Kathy Taylor
Anna Neagle was born Florence Marjorie Robertson on 20th October 1904 in Glenparke Road, Forest Gate. Her family later moved to Upton Lane, Forest Gate. She attended Park Primary School. Anna became one of the biggest and brightest celebrities of her time.
