Doris Hare
A versatile Welsh entertainer whose career spanned seven decades, finding her most famous role as the formidable 'Mum' on the classic sitcom On the Buses.
1905–2000 (age 95)·Welsh actress, comedian, singer, and dancer·Birthday: March 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Doris Hare embodied the hardy, show-must-go-on spirit of British theatre. Born in Wales, she was on stage as a child and never really left, building a formidable career in music hall, variety, and straight theatre. She was a true triple threat—acting, singing, and dancing with equal gusto in London's West End and on provincial tours. While she appeared in films and television for years, it was a last-minute casting change that cemented her in popular culture. In 1971, she stepped into the role of Mabel 'Mum' Butler for the third series of the hit ITV sitcom 'On the Buses,' replacing Cicely Courtneidge. With her sharp tongue and withering looks, Hare made the character her own, continuing through the show's entire run and its big-screen spin-offs. Her later years saw a triumphant return to the stage, proving her talent was never confined to the driver's canteen.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Doris was born in 1905, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Doris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1905
Doris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1905Born
Einstein publishes the theory of special relativity
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1910Started school
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1918Became a teenager
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Could drive
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1923Could vote
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Turned 21
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1935Turned 30
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1945Turned 40
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1955Turned 50
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1965Turned 60
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1975Turned 70
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1985Turned 80
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
2000Died at 95
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Mabel 'Mum' Butler in the popular British sitcom 'On the Buses' and its three film adaptations.
- Enjoyed a long and successful career in West End theatre, including roles in productions like 'The Boy Friend'.
- Performed as a singer and dancer in major British music hall and variety shows throughout the mid-20th century.
- Was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance in 1972 for 'On the Buses'.
Did You Know?
She made her professional stage debut at the age of six in a production of 'Midsummer Night's Dream'.
During World War II, she entertained troops with ENSA, the forces' entertainment service.
She was married to actor James Carew, who was 33 years her senior, from 1931 until his death in 1938.
“The curtain rises at eight, darling, whether you're ready or not.”
