He continued his theatre work throughout the war, playing character parts in touring comedies and eventually achieving a juvenile lead in 1920.
He then started a stage career as juvenile lead in smaller theatres.
Realising he was not a tall, impressive juvenile lead or a young lover type, he decided to specialise in comedy.
After all, he cannot go on being the juvenile lead for ever.
It was as a juvenile lead that he first came to prominence, and he only gradually achieved his unrivalled position as the exponent of strong and concentrated passion.
