A Bag of M&M's...

I know what you are probably thinking, but this is not about the yummy candy.  Rather, it is just something a little peculiar that ran through my mind a few days ago.  It's simply a list (with small biographies) of British celebrities - past and present - from the entertainment industry, who just happen to have the initials "M.M."  Some you may know, but there are definitely a few you won't!

Malcolm McLaren (22 Jan 1946 - 8 Apr 2010)
Best known for managing punk band the Sex Pistols, McLaren was a musician, impresario, and clothes designer.  With the aid of fashions from hs Chelsea boutique, he was very much a driving force behind the whole punk movement of the 1970's.  McLaren also found fame fame as a performer, and his single Madame Butterfly reached No 13 in the UK.

Mark McManus (21 Feb 1935 - 6 Jun 1994)
Scottish actor best known for the title role in the British television series, Taggart.

Michelle McManus (b. 8 May 1980)
Scottish singer-songwriter, actress, and TV presenter, McManus topped the UK charts with All This Time.  She has hosted a number of Scottish television series and specials, and currently works as a columnist for the Glasgow Evening Times.

Malcolm McDowell (b. 13 Jun 1943)
Durable Yorkshire-born actor best known for his roles in controversial films If...., O Lucky Man!, Caligula, and A Clockwork Orange.  McDowell is also a familiar voice on many cartoons, and in 2012, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Miles Malleson (25 May 1888 - 15 March 1969)
Born in Croydon, Surrey, Malleson was never a star, but one of those actors who seemed to appear in everything!  Fondly remembered for his roles in British comedies, he was also seen in a number of Hammer horror films.  In addition, Miles Malleson was a screenwriter and playwright.

Miriam Margolyes (b. 18 May 1941)
A much-loved English character-actress, Margolyes is equally at home on stage, television, and in films.  In 1996, she starred as Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach, and has since played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series.  Margolyes is heavily involved in charity and humanitarian work.

Moore Marriott (14 Sep 1885 - 11 Dec 1949)
Another noted British character actor from that golden era, Marriott is undoubtedly best remembered for his portrayal of old Harbottle in several films alongside star Will Hay.  He was one of that select few who could play an old man while still at a young age.

Millicent Martin (b. 8 Jun 1934)
Actress, comedian, and singer, Martin became known to television audiences as the singer on the satirical 1960's show, That Was The Week That Was.  What you may not know is that, not only has she recorded songs in English, but also in Swedish!

Muir Mathieson (24 Jan 1911 - 2 Aug 1975)
Scottish composer and musical director. Mathieson commissioned film scores from notable English composers, including Arnold, Bliss, Vaughan-Williams, and Walton.  Mathieson's best-known works include The Scarlet Pimpernel, Forget Me Not, Scrooge, and The Magic Box.

Michael Medwin (b. 18 Jul 1923)
Another actor at home on stage and screen, Medwin became a household name in the 1950's, thanks to the role of Corporal Springer in television's The Army Game.  He later starred as Don Satchley in the crime drama Shoestring.  Film work includes Anna Karenina, Genevieve, and The Longest Day.

Mabel Mercer (3 Feb 1900 - 20 Apr 1984)
English jazz and cabaret singer who spent most of her career performing in the United States.

Maryetta Midgley (b. 27 May 1944)
Now retired Scottish-born English soprano and founder of MVM Records.

Maggie Moone (b. 9 July 1953)
Popular English singer and entertainer, star of variety shows on British television, Moone is best known for her appearances on ITV's Name That Tune back in the 1980's.

Mick Mulligan (24 Jan 1928 - 20 Dec 2006)
Jazz trumpeter and bandleader, Mulligan was one of the stars of the British trad jazz revival of the 1950's and 60's.  Founder of the Magnolia Jazz Band, Mick Mulligan went on to manage jazz vocalist George Melly, and after retiring from the music scene, ran a grocery store.