Born in 1912 as Reginald Herbert Lockwood, Preston Lockwood, the late actor, emerged as the eldest son of Herbert Lewis Lockwood and Ethel May Lockwood (née Preston).
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Raised in Essex, Lockwood’s father was a bus driver, and he adopted his mother’s maiden name as his stage identity.
With two older sisters, Sylvia and Phyllis, and a younger brother, the accomplished violinist Ronald Lewis, Lockwood hailed from a musically and creatively inclined family.
His journey into acting commenced in the challenging realm of weekly repertory theatre in Essex.

Photo via The Vicar of Dibley Wiki
This early training equipped him with the skill to swiftly learn and flawlessly perform new plays.
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Lockwood initially gained recognition for his distinctive voice on radio dramas before transitioning seamlessly into the realms of television and film.
Notably, he etched his place in entertainment history through his portrayal of Butterfield the butler in multiple episodes of “Jeeves and Wooster.”
While details about his parents’ lives beyond their professions remain elusive, the adoption of his mother’s maiden name implies a significant connection, potentially indicative of her artistic influence.
The success of his siblings in diverse fields, including a violinist brother and two accomplished sisters, suggests a supportive and nurturing family environment that likely played a role in fostering his creative talents.


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