[3] He started in variety at the Kilburn Empire in 1946, and his stage appearances included The Sunshine Boys and Fiddler on the Roof.

He also did comedy work with Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe which later led to the formation (along with writer Spike Milligan) of The Goon Show, though Marks did not become a member.

He compered Sunday Night at the London Palladium and in 1966 he appeared as a narrator in five episodes of the BBC children's television show Jackanory.

[citation needed] Marks was a fine bass-baritone and appeared regularly on the BBC TV series 'The Good Old Days'.

When asked what his qualifications were, he quipped (in full Cockney): When I was eleven there were rival gangs around a fruit market in the East End.