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Michael Payne
Michael Payne (born 13 April 1944), known professionally as Mike Payne, is a British actor, author, illustrator, and cartoonist. With a diverse career spanning various fields, Payne has made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and the literary world.
Early Life and Career in Inland Revenue
Michael Payne was born on 13 April 1944 in the United Kingdom. He began his professional career with the Inland Revenue, where he spent 26 years. Starting as a Clerical Assistant, Payne demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, eventually rising to the position of Principal.
Entertainment Career While working for the Inland Revenue, Payne pursued a passion for entertainment and acting. He took a sabbatical from his job after being discovered by an agent, marking the beginning of a notable career in entertainment. Under the stage name Mike Dale, he formed the comedy double act "Burke & Dale" with his good friend Mike Smith, who performed under the name Mike Burke. The duo gained recognition for their performances and were represented by the agent Peter Charlesworth. In 1996/7, Payne appeared on Sky News as their cartoonist, presenting his quirky take on the week’s news and showcasing his "Cartoon of the Week" on Friday evenings.
Transition to Cartooning and Illustrating
Mike left the Inland Revenue in 1988 to pursue a full-time career in cartooning and illustrating. Prior to this, he had been drawing semi-professionally for ten years under various pen names. He had numerous greeting cards published by companies such as Rustcraft, Hallmark UK, Hallmark USA, Royle, and Dixons through his art agent Michael Woodward.
Payne's talent was recognized by the Inland Revenue's Press Office at Somerset House, which recommended him to London LWT through John Kaye-Cooper Productions. This led to his appearances on Richard Digance's show “Abracadigance” in 1988, further propelling him towards a dedicated career in art.
Creation of "Tatty Teddy"
In 1987, Stephen Haines, chairman and CEO of Carte Blanche Greetings, approached Payne to create a bear with “great depth of feeling” for his new company. The bear Payne created initially formed part of the “Miranda Gang” but later evolved into the iconic "Tatty Teddy," a little grey, blue-nosed bear that became a phenomenon under the “Me to You” brand.
Payne continued his work with Carte Blanche Greetings until 2004, when he decided to explore other creative avenues.
"Charlie’s Ark" and Subsequent Projects
In 2006, Payne created “Charlie’s Ark,” a series about a five-year-old boy who brings his toy animals to life using a magic "Wordspell." Two audio collections of “Charlie’s Ark” stories were released in 2009 by Andrews UK Ltd.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Payne wrote a "Charlie’s Ark" book for children, launched at The Ritz in London on 19 September 2021. Illustrated in collaboration with Adam Pescott, the book was a significant success and is being adapted into a global children's television series. Payne's second book in the series, “Charlie’s Ark – The Greatest Gift,” was published on 26 April 2024 by Austin Macauley.
Community Involvement and Teaching
Payne, a member of the Lord’s Taverners, supports many charities and frequently visits schools and colleges to teach cartooning. He has also taught cartooning on various cruises, sharing his expertise with passengers.
Online Presence and Continuing Work
Payne is an active creator, constantly drawing new ideas. His Facebook page, which features his “Little Else” and “The Cones” spot cartoons, has thousands of followers. He continues to write children's books, including titles like “Little Else,” “Milo’s Lucky Sneeze,” and “Jak’s Motor Sofa.”
Personal Life
Michael Payne's journey from a government career to the entertainment and literary worlds highlights his diverse talents and interests. His work continues to inspire and entertain audiences, showcasing his unique ability to excel in multiple creative domains.