Sheridan Morley, theater critic, dies

LONDON, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Sheridan Morley, a prominent British critic, biographer and broadcaster, has died in his home in London at the age of 65.

Morley, known for including anecdotal tidbits in his critiques, is best known for the biography, "A Talent to Amuse," written about his godfather, Noel Coward, The New York Times said Monday.

He was a critic and arts editor for a number of Britain's newspapers and magazines, including the Times of London, Punch, The International Herald Tribune, The Spectator, The New Statesman and The Daily Express.

Morley, whose father was actor Robert Morley, enjoyed a successful broadcast career in Britain, including as host of "Late Night Line-Up" for the BBC.

In London's theater district, Morley staged the revue, "Noel and Gertie," about Coward and Gertrude Lawrence, which ran for nine months in the West End. He also directed Corin Redgrave in Coward's seldom-performed "Song at Twilight," also in the West End.

Besides Coward, his subjects as a biographer included Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, David Niven, his own father and John Gielgud.

Morley, who died Friday, is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.