Appeared in the Broadway musical Kelly at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City; however, it closed after just one performance.
He divorced his wife, Molly Josephine, after she had a child, Michael, in 1953, by the Brambells' lodger, Roderick Fisher.
His father worked at a Guinness Brewery and his mother was an opera singer.
In A Hard Day's Night (1964), sings a few bars of "A Nation Once Again," an Irish folk song, in the police station.
Released two 45rpm singles, 'Second Hand' with B Side 'Rag Time Ragabone Man'.
Was considered for the role of the grandfather in "Only Fools and Horses...." (1981).
Was due to play the role of Jeff Simmons, bass guitarist with The Mothers of Invention, in Frank Zappa's 1971 film 200 Motels but left the production after an argument with Zappa.