Trivia

Saved Jean Simmons' life on the set of Great Expectations (1946) when her apron caught fire

In the late 1940s, he had tea with a young Michael Caine, who was part of the crowd at a showing of Great Expectations (1946). As a surprise prize, the organizers asked if anyone in the crowd was celebrating a birthday. Caine said it was his birthday and so was invited to have tea with Wager.

He died in obscurity and his death was not reported until years later.

He had his first heart attack at the age of 39.

Was chosen by director David Lean from 700 applicants to play the young Pip in Great Expectations (1946).

For many years he lived with the director Brian Desmond Hurst.

In the late 1960s, he moved to Australia, where he mainly appeared in television shows.

As a child, he lived in Finchley and Mill Hill, which are part of the London Borough of Barnet.

Before Great Expectations, his only acting experience was in a children's concert party, which gave amateur shows in wards of local London hospitals.

Since Great Expectations (1946) was his first film, he was coached by co-stars John Mills and Valerie Hobson.

Despite having a serious heart attack in his late thirties and later being diagnosed with diabetes he continued to chain smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol excessively until the end of his life.

Was a student at Christ's College.

His father was a London plumber.

Despite the popularity of Great Expectations (1946) he never appeared in another notable role onscreen.

Hollywood wanted to cast him in 1948, but by then he was a gangly six footer and could no longer play child roles.

His name, Anthony Wager, was coincidentally (or maybe intentionally?) used for Robert Englund's lead character in the Greydon Clark film Dance Macabre (1992).

Had a younger sister.