[1][2] During his lifetime, Greene wrote over 23 books, presented more than 2,000 DIY programmes, and via his building company had provided bespoke construction services to over 32 stars of stage and television.
[2][3] His father, who had returned from fighting in World War I suffering from mustard gas poisoning, and mother were interested in the arts, poetry and music and regularly entertained at their home in Colenso Terrace.
[3] He was taught sport by Olympic swimmer C. B. Thomas, under whom Greene became a record-breaking runner at county level, a gifted rugby union player, and champion junior Welsh long jumper.
[3] However, due to the outbreak of World War II he had to delay starting the course, and was subsequently attached to REME as a draughtsman, working on a classified tank design for the Russian front.
[2] This led to amateur acting with the Unity Theatre company, and as a volunteer assistant at Cory Hall on Eynon Evans weekly BBC Wales radio show, where he met Harry Secombe.
During his acting career, Greene starred in over 40 films, opposite actors including Sean Connery, Sir John Gielgud, Melina Mercouri, Lana Turner and Jean Seberg.
[1][2] Desperate to fill the schedules, Associated Rediffusion took up Marjie's proposal for Harry to film a DIY show based on him doing up their flat in Primrose Hill, North London.
[5] Greene collapsed and died a few days after returning home in March 2013 from a holiday with his daughter Sarah and her husband, fellow presenter Mike Smith.