Trivia

He was a popular teller of biblical stories and was a successful author.

Father of the late Paul Kossoff, guitarist with the band Free.

Became an anti-drug activist after his son Paul died from years of drug abuse.

Son of a Russian-Jewish East End rag trade worker.

Trained at art and architectural schools, including the Northern Polytechnic.

His brother, Alexander, changed his name to Alan Keith and became a BBC radio presenter - the longest-serving and oldest BBC "voice" at the time of his death in 2003, age 94.

Uncle of British High Court judge Sir Brian Keith who is the son of his brother, Alan Keith.

Also active on radio, notably in the science fiction serial 'Journey into Space'.

His best known performances were as Colonel Alexander Ikonenko in Peter Ustinov's 'The Love of Four Colonels' on the West End stage; and in 'The Bespoke Overcoat' by Wolf Mankowitz.

Trained as a draughtsman at London's Northern Polytechnic. Left in 1937 to work as a furniture designer. After brief military service during World War II, turned to acting, first with the Unity Theatre in 1942, then with the BBC Repertory Company, 1943-45.

He was the head of the family furniture business.