Davy was born David Kodeish to Koppel and Dora in the Mile End Road London. One of three brothers and two sisters, at an early age, because of his size, it was thought he would not live long. However he was to be the longest survivor of his family.

As a schoolboy Davy was already 'treading the boards' in amateur and school shows, but his first professional engagement came in 1935 at the Mile End Empire and was soon followed by appearances at many other venues. At the outbreak of war he volunteered but was told by the medical officer "when we declare war on the pygmies we'll send for you!!" He spent the war years working in shows all over England at RAF bases, Army Camps, munitions factories and on Radio.

After the war he started touring his own revues in partnership with his agent Joe Collins (father of Joan and Jackie) an association which lasted over thirty years. During this period Davy played 'Benny Southstreet' in the original production of "Guys and Dolls" at the London Coliseum. He will also be remembered by many for his outstanding performance, playing five different characters, in the Wolf Mankowitz musical 'Belle' at the Strand Theatre.

Then came work in film, television, theatre and cabaret. From 1954 to 1968 Davy presented and starred in a new show each month at London's smartest nightspot – 'The Embassy Club' in Bond Street. He also starred in 'Androcles and the Lion' and 'The Bishop's Bonfire' at the Mermaid Theatre and featured in films such as 'Wrong Arm of the Law' - 'The Biggest Bundle of Them All' - 'The Pot Carriers' - 'Crooks in Cloisters' - 'Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines' - 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' - 'Alice in Wonderland' - 'Carry On Cowboy' - 'Carry on Regardless' - 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square' and many more. His last British television appearance was on the 'Barrymore Show' where he performed his world famous 'One Man Band'.

In 1958 the Variety Club of Great Britain honoured him with a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel to celebrate his fifty years in Show Business. He was also one of the very few people to receive a Variety Club 'Silver Heart' on two different occasions – in 1975 and again in 1985. Davy personally raised more than one million pounds for various charities – including The Bud Flanagan Leukaemia Fund (Celebrity Committee Chairman and Executive Committee Member); The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme: The Prince Philip Trust Fund (Windsor and Maidenhead); Nightingale House – home for the Jewish aged (Life Governor); Ealing Jewish Youth Club.

His favourite charity though was The Grand Order of Water Rats. He was elected King in 1984 and later Preceptor and was also awarded their Badge of Merit and Bar – the highest honour that can be bestowed.

He was awarded the MBE in Her Majesty The Queen's 1995 New Years Honours List. Davy Kaye was a little man in physical stature but as a talent, father and friend – he was a giant.

Past Prince Rat Kaplan Kaye

Past King Rat, Past Preceptor, Badge of Merit and Bar.

Davy Kaye MBE

His last British television appearance was on the Barrymore Show' where he performed his world famous 'One Man Band'.