William Alexander Andrews (21 July 1836 – 28 September 1878), sometimes referred to as "Billy Andrews", was an Australian comic actor, who had a short career but was immensely popular, and like G. V. Brooke, became the yardstick by which later comedians were judged.
Andrews was born at 64 George Street, Sydney, "opposite the Central Police Station",[1] a son of Alexander Andrews and Hebe Andrews, née Chippendale (1815–1874), who married 17 May 1834. Notable roles include: Criticism of his work is hard to find — apart from being cast as the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist, which part should have gone to a much smaller man.
[3] In other productions he played Mr Bumble.
[4] Andrews was married and had three children by a previous marriage: His brother Alec Andrews (1845 – 3 January 1895) was also a comedian;[5] he had a sister at 70 Albion Street, Surry Hills, and another brother, James, about whom little has been found.
[6] His widow remarried and lived in Melbourne.