Sonnie Hale

Who was Sonnie Hale?

Sonnie Hale was an English theatre and cinema actor and director.

John Robert Hale-Monro, better known by his stage name, was born in London, the son of Robert Hale and Belle Reynolds. His father and sister, Binnie Hale were actors. He worked chiefly in musical and revue theatre, but also acted in several films with occasional screenwriting or directing credits. A major personal investment in a show to tour the country planned for late 1939 proved financially ruinous due to the outbreak of war and the subsequent closure of most theatres. His slight acquaintance Evelyn Waugh advised him against such an investment. His reply was reported to be the sardonic “War is good for business, don't you know!”

He was married three times:

The actress Evelyn Laye.

The actress and dancer Jessie Matthews.

Mary Kelsey

By his second marriage he had one son and one adopted daughter; by his third marriage he had one son and a daughter. He also had an illegitimate daughter from a subsequent relationship.

He died from myelofibrosis in London, aged 57.