Autographs tell tale of actor’s love for the stars
A COLLECTION of showbiz autographs built up over the lifetime of an actor’s love affair with London’s West End is up for auction.
Gary Rice worked in the theatre both on and off stage and, with his mother Joyce, built up a large collection of mementos from bygone and current stars.
He died aged just 54 from cancer, just months after the death of his mother, with whom he lived in Leyton, London. His sister Gill, 61, is now selling the signed photographs at auction so fans of that bygone era can enjoy them.
Among them are five prized autographs of his idol Liza Minnelli, who Gary and Joyce saw on stage. Other highlights of the sale include a signed Tommy Cooper caricature, autographed photos of The Two Ronnies and Elizabeth Taylor.
Gary attended stage school and appeared in TV and film, including Hi-de-Hi! and Men
Behaving Badly, performed cabaret in Soho and worked in the box office of West End theatres.
He gained many friends in showbiz throughout his career, which was put on hold so he could care for his mother in her latter years, before her death aged 86.
Gill, from Suffolk, said her brother got the autograph bug from their mother, who was always interested in film and theatre.
Gary would politely ask stars for an autograph and even came with stamped addressed envelopes for them to send him a signed publicity shot. Gill, a retired banker, said: “I really hope that all the years of hard work reflected in this collection will now find a good home.”
There are 76 lots in the auction, with the estimate for each being £30 to £40. The sale is being held by Vectis Auction House in Thornaby, Teesside, today.