Hector Nicol (9 November 1920 – 2 July 1985) was a Scottish comedian, singer and actor.
Acting career Nicol starred in few shows during his career. His most notable role was that of a dying gangster in the BBC Television play Just a Boys' Game (1979) and also in A Sense of Freedom (1981). He also starred in Take the High Road, a Scottish soap opera.
Singing career Nicol wrote and sang "The Hearts Song" for Hearts, and "Glory, Glory to the Hibees" for Hibs. He also wrote and sang "The Terrors of Tannadice" for Dundee United, "Dark Blue Of Dundee" for Dundee and "The Morton Song" for Greenock Morton. However, he actually supported St Mirren F.C.. His 1984 album, Bravo Juliet!, reached number 92 for one week in the UK Albums Chart.
Influence Nicol's influence was important on Scotland's more recent crop of comedians including Billy Connolly, Des Clarke and Elaine C. Smith. Other famous people who have stated they are fans of Hector include Sean Connery, John Barrowman and Tommy Sheridan.
Personal life Nicol married Delina (Lena) P. Sweetman in 1948 and they had three sons together, two of whom died tragically. One choked to death while eating, while another was murdered in a senseless attack. Stephen Nicol, age 19, was stabbed to death by a 15-year-old boy at a bus stop in Edinburgh on 8 June 1973. At trial, it was revealed that the perpetrator, George Riddell, was not motivated by any greed or anger, but had simply decided to stab someone. David Brand, Lord Brand sentenced Riddell to indefinite detention for the murder of Stephen Nicol, who had suffered from a chronic illness. Nicol nearly left the entertainment business after his son's murder.
Nicol, who suffered from angina, died at his home in Edinburgh, at the age of 64. He was survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Lena (1922–2013) and his one surviving son.
Filmography Film Year Film Role Notes 1979 Just a Boys' Game Granda BBC Play for Today 1981 A Sense of Freedom Uncle Jodie ITV
Television Year Film Role Notes 1982–1985 Take the High Road Fraser Ramsay BBC Television
Comedy Specials and albums YearTitleNotesFormats1978Scotch and Full of itRecorded Live at Tartan Arms, Bannockburn in 1978.Vinyl/Cassette/CD1978Laffin Room OnlyRecorded Live at the Greenfield Club, Hamilton in 1978.Vinyl/Cassette/CD1979Cop of the NorthRecorded Live at the Clover Leaf, Aberdeen in 1979.Vinyl/Cassette1979Lady and the TrampRecorded Live at the Venture Lounge, Linwood in 1979.Vinyl/Cassette1979Queen of the RoadRecorded Live at the Baird & Scottish Social Club, Coatbridge in 1979.Vinyl/Cassette1980Hobo Sexual?Recorded Live at the Baron Suite, Edinburgh in 1980.Vinyl/Cassette1981Bawdy LinesRecorded Live at Chequers, Falkirk in 1981.Vinyl/Cassette/VHS1982I'm a Country MemberRecorded Live at Hasties Farm, Blantyre in 1982.Vinyl/Cassette/CD1983Greatest B**bsRecorded Live at Dean Park Hotel in 1983.Vinyl/Cassette/VHS1984Bravo Juliet!Recorded Live at Rankin Park, Greenock in 1984.Vinyl/Cassette1984The Tartan TinkerRecorded Live at Marco's, Edinburgh in 1984.Vinyl/Cassette/VHS
References
External links