Dave Lee

David Legge (1947 – 16 January 2012), known as Dave Lee, was a British comedian known for his work in pantomimes in Kent and his work on television. Lee also founded his own charity to help disadvantaged children.

Life and career Lee was born in Broadstairs. At the age of five he suffered a bout of tuberculosis and later on, Lee also suffered from a burst appendix, peritonitis, pleurisy, double pneumonia and had his tonsils and adenoids out. Subsequently, Lee was sent to a convalescent home in Margate and disliked the idea.

He began his career as a drummer at the Chartham Secondary Modern School at the age of 13. He worked as the warm-up act for Michael Parkinson, Michael Aspel and Jimmy Tarbuck. Lee visited the Falkland Islands in 1988 to entertain troops and was selected to appear at a Royal Gala in 1989. He was nominated for the 1990 British Variety Award for Best Stand-Up Comic.

Illness and death On 9 November 2011, it was announced that Lee had pulled out of the pantomime for Cinderella due to his failing health days before the rehearsals began. In his absence Lee's role was rewritten and filled by Sion Tudor Owen.

On 10 January 2012, Canterbury City Council announced that Lee would be given the Freedom of the City. He was married with children.

Legacy A bronze statue of Lee was unveiled outside the Marlowe Theatre in May 2014.