| Michael Crawford |
| the one, the only |
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| copyright Atlanic Records |
| Many years ago, I was seated in my parents' den watching George Bush's (Sr.) inaugural ball. One of the performances was a scene from a current Broadway musical. Interested, I settled into my perch on the hardwood floor. The next thing I knew, I was rivited to the screen- the scene was from The Phantom of the Opera, and the man in the title role was the original opera ghost himself, Michael Crawford, singing "Music of the Night". For the next few minutes I remember nothing but the thrill of hearing that singular voice charm me out of my mind. By the end of the song, I was detirmined to find out all I could about Phantom and the actor who portrayed him so exquisitely. |
| Site currently under construction-More soon!! |
| Born Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith on 19. January 1942 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England and starting his acting career at a young age, he renamed himself Michael Crawford after seeing the name from a Crawford's Biscuit truck. Michael has been seen in movies such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and as Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly with Barbra Streisand. His BBC TV credits include the extremely popular Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Playing the title role in two UK productions of Barnum before staring in Phantom, Michael has also been onstage in the Las Vagas show EFX, again in New York in Dance of the Vampires, and most recently in the London production of The Woman in White as Count Fosco. He is currently on tour. |
| The Man |
| The Music |
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| Michael signing autographs at the stage door of Dance of the Vampires- (photo courtesy of Diane Orr) |
| Recording several successful solo albums since the early 90's with The Phantom Unmasked- later re-released as With Love, and with his latest The Disney Album, Michael has emerged as a premiere solo artist. Many fans not lucky enough to see him on stage have been drawn to the emotional passion he pours into every word and note. His albums have gone gold and platinum. Launching a concert tour in 1998, millions of fans old and new fell in love all over again with his charm, humor, and incredible voice. He is loved the world over- with fans from both sides of the Atlantic and as far as Australia and New Zealand. |
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| Charities |
| Michael has been working with several children's charities throughout the world for many years. In his autobiography, Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String, Michael states, "Nothing can prepare you for the shock of the moment when the word privation assumes a human face, that of a child." There are three groups Michael has designated as his 'official' charities- |
| A national non-profit organization in the US bringing arts to abused children and at risk families. Their motto is simple: "Art Heals". Michael is an honorary board member. |
| This UK organization is dear to Michael's heart- he's been the President since 1987. Similar to the USA's Ronald McDonald Houses, the SCT houses provide a 'home away from home' during a child's illness and treatment. |
| This group gives long-term support and shelter to Australian runaways and troubled teens. Their mission is to reduce homelessness among young people. Michael is a patron. |