[4][2][3] After gaining some theatrical experience in Britain during the mid-1890s, he after toured Australia with Edward Branscombe's Dandies troupes between 1910 and 1917.

He revisited the country in 1921, touring in revue shows with Hilda Attenboro, and starred in two Australian films.

[4] Following an early marriage to Irene Vere, with whom he had a daughter, he married Australian actress Billie Carlyle (c1901-1991).

[3] After Dampier returned to Britain in 1927, he featured on BBC radio,[9] until he was temporarily banned from broadcasts after mentioning that he had "promised to squeeze Mrs Gibson's oranges.

[4] After the Second World War he appeared on Jewel and Warriss radio shows, where he adopted the catch-phrase "it's me-ee".