A Tribute to Anthony Wager

Anthony ‘Tony’ Alexander Wager was born on 24 June, 1932 and grew up in Mill Hill - in the Borough of Hendon. Wager’s father was a London Plumber, though Wager himself wasn’t well skilled in that area.

Wager and his sister grew up during the War period, and were often looked after by neighbours. It could be said that Anthony and his sister were inseparable and were by one another’s side wherever they went.

Above: Wager wearing his Christ's College uniform

Wager studied at Christ’s College, one of the top educational establishments in the area in which he lived.


It would be Wager’s step-mother who found the audition call for the role of ’Pip’ in the film Great Expectations. Wager went along to the audition whilst studying at Christ’s College, and was later cast in the role of Pip, alongside John Mills. When finished, the film was given a Royal screening, in the presence of the-then Princess Elizabeth.

Above: Wager in the film Great Expectations... awaiting a good hiding.

In the late 1940s, Wager would have tea with a young Michael Caine.

During a time when Britain wasn’t a place for young actors - such as Wager - he spent a lot of time out of work. However, around that time, Hollywood was more young actor friendly, and Wager was approached by studios in Hollywood. However, due to his father’s control, he was not able to take them up on their offer.

As Wager spent time in the West End, he lived with Brian Desmond Hurst - who was associated with the production in which Wager was also involved - to eliminate travel between the West End and Wager’s home, as the means of transport in that area were not particularly good.

In the late 1960s, Wager moved to Sydney, Australia. In this time, he suffered a heart attack and, due to the weather, Wager made the move to Perth. Wager, out of work, had several jobs to keep money in his pocket. During this time, he wrote scripts for movies, sketches, and would also draft out top comedians verbiage before they went on stage. Wager was credited with having very ‘sharp wit’. During his time spent in Australia, Wager would work mainly television shows and would often be spotted making cameo appearances.

Wager was a gambler - as had been his grandmother.

On 23 December 1990, Wager died. By this time, he had moved to Bali, again for health reasons. Wager was given a Balinese Funeral, considered a very high honour, and his ashes were scattered at a lake.

Above: Wager at 16, fresh out of the studio!