Born James Smith in Rothwell, England. Trained as a ballet dancer, he began his professional career in 1951 as a stage comedian and later enjoyed some success as a pop singer. He also worked as a radio disc jockey and has been appearing in British TV since 1957. In films since the early 1960s, he appeared in several of the "Carry On" comedy series. He has composed music and written lyrics for several of his own stage and TV productions. He wrote the lyrics for the title song of the film GEORGY GIRL (1966) and for the theme song of SHALAKO (1968). Won Broadway's 1980 Tony® Award as Best Actor (Musical) for playing the title character in "Barnum." He has also been nominated three other times: in 1975, as Best Actor (Dramatic) for "Scapino;" in 1985, as Best Actor (Play) for a revival of "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg;" and in 1997, as Best Actor (Musical) for a revival of "Candide". Dale has been honored for his narrations of the unabridged "Harry Potter" book series. Two of his sons are actor Toby Dale (b. 1966) and director of aerial photography Adam Dale.  Nominated for Music Best Song 1966: GEORGY GIRL "Georgy Girl" - Lyric 1 nomination