Who was this gap-toothed English dapper dandy who took us for a MAD, MAD ride on his Flying Machine?

Terry-Thomas, born Thomas Terry Hoar-Stevens, (July 14, 1911, London, England—January 8, 1990, Godalming, Surrey), mustachioed, gap-toothed British comic actor noted for his film roles as a pretentious, scheming twit.

He attended Ardingly College and during World War II served (1941–46) in the British army. He gained a following for his TV program 'How Do You View?' (1951–52), then achieved major success with his lead role in the film 'Private’s Progress' (1956). Subsequently he appeared primarily in supporting roles—often as a blatantly devious scoundrel in a garish suit who combined exaggerated dandyism and crass stupidity. He appeared in nearly 50 films in Britain and the United States, including 'Lucky Jim' (1957), 'Blue Murder at St. Trinian’s' (1958), 'Tom Thumb' (1958), 'I’m All Right, Jack' (1959), 'School for Scoundrels' (1960), 'It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World' (1962), 'How to Murder Your Wife' (1964), 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines' (1965), and 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1970).

He adopted the hyphen in his name to go with the gap in his teeth.

In 1971 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which brought his career to a conclusion; his last film role was in 1980. He spent his fortune on medical treatment and, shortly before his death, was living in poverty, existing on charity from the Actors' Benevolent Fund. A charity gala raised sufficient funds for him to live his remaining time in a nursing home.

He died January 8, 1990 at 78.