Donald Ralph Smoothey (11 April 1919 – 17 May 2015) was a British stage actor, variety entertainer and comic. Career Theatre At the age of twelve, Smoothey attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts where his brother Len Lowe was already a student, and began his show business career as a child in 1932 appearing at the Holborn Empire in a production of Where the Rainbow Ends. This was followed by a time in the production of Cavalcade at Drury Lane. Smoothey joined the army at the outbreak of World War II and entertained troops as half of a double act with Len Marten. In 1942, he became a member of the official army organization Stars in Battledress. He left the service in 1946 and returned to civilian life and variety entertainment by appearing at The Grand, Clapham Junction. During this time he used several stage names, including Don Maxwell and Chester Ladd. He completed a long tour in the production of The Old Town Hall, which was followed by Ralph Reader's The Gangs All Here. Variety entertainment In 1950, Smoothey joined his brother Len Lowe as half of a new act called "Lowe and Ladd". They enjoyed success in England, as well as touring in Australia and New Zealand until 1956, when Len wished to turn his own attentions to television and the team parted. From that point Smoothey used his own name appearing as a solo comedian. When singer Dickie Valentine persuaded Smoothey that Tommy Layton wished to work with him, the team of "Smoothey and Layton" was created and performed together until 1960. On Boxing Day 1959 they appeared in BBC TV's The Good Old Days at Christmas. After the team separated in 1960, Smoothey continued his solo career performing in variety theatre, Summer shows, and pantomimes, and at such venues as the London Palladium. Career personal highlight Asked what he has enjoyed most about his long time in show business Smoothey stated: "I have to say appearing in the Royal Variety Performance in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1982 in the feature Underneath the Arches was very special. This took place at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. In our particular sketch there was Roy Hudd, Joe Black, Tommy Godfrey, Billy Gray, Peter Glaze, Christopher Timothy and myself. "A highlight of the Royal Command Performance was the appearance of Ethel