[citation needed] His debut was with Croydon Repertory Theatre, and he made many stage appearances in the West End in London.

[2] Wattis is best known for his appearances, wearing his thick-rimmed round spectacles, in British comedies of the 1950s and 1960s, often as a "Man from the Ministry" or similar character.

[citation needed] To American audiences, Wattis is probably best known for his performance as the British civil servant Northbrook in The Prince and the Showgirl (1957).

He also appeared on television, including a long-running role in Sykes and as a storyteller on the BBC children's programme Jackanory, narrating in 14 episodes between 1971 and 1972.

[citation needed] On 1 February 1975, Wattis suffered a heart attack while dining at Berwick's Restaurant in Walton Street, London.