From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Jimmy Hanley (22 October 1918 – 13 January 1970) was a British actor. Born in Norwich, Norfolk, Hanley began his career as a child actor before becoming popular in juvenile roles. He was groomed by the Rank Studio system during his teenage years and earned film stardom as a "boy-next-door" type. The young star-struck actor attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and whilst he was studying there, made his stage debut at the London Palladium, as ...