Hector Nicol (9 November 1920 – 2 July 1985) was a Scottish comedian, singer and actor.

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Quick Facts Born, Died ...

Hector Nicol
Nicol performing live in Scotland
Born	(1920-11-09)9 November 1920 Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Died	2 July 1985(1985-07-02) (aged 64) Edinburgh, Scotland[1]
Occupation(s)	Comedian, singer, actor
Years active	1935–1985

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Nicol starred in few shows during his career. His most notable role was that of a dying gangster in the BBC Television play Just a Boys' Game (1979) and also in A Sense of Freedom (1981). He also starred in Take the High Road, a Scottish soap opera.^[2]

Nicol wrote and sang "The Hearts Song" for Hearts, and "Glory, Glory to the Hibees" for Hibs. He also wrote and sang "The Terrors of Tannadice" for Dundee United and "Dark Blue Of Dundee" for Dundee. However, he actually supported St Mirren. His 1984 album, Bravo Juliet!, reached number 92 for one week in the UK Albums Chart.^[3]

Nicol's influence was important on Scotland's more recent crop of comedians including Billy Connolly, Des Clarke and Elaine C. Smith.^[4] Other famous people who have stated they are fans of Hector include Sean Connery, John Barrowman and Tommy Sheridan.

Nicol had three sons, two of whom died tragically. One choked to death while eating, while another was murdered in a senseless attack.^[1] Stephen Nicol, age 19, was stabbed to death by a 15-year-old boy at a bus stop in Edinburgh on 8 June 1973. At trial, it was revealed that the perpetrator, George Riddell, was not motivated by any greed or anger, but had simply decided to stab someone. David Brand, Lord Brand sentenced Riddell to indefinite detention for the murder of Stephen Nicol, who had suffered from a chronic illness.^[5] Nicol nearly left the entertainment business after his son's murder.^[1]

Nicol, who suffered from angina, died at his home in Edinburgh, at the age of 64.^[1][6]