Engelbert Humperdinck Recounts 'Hell' of 'Casting Couch' Advances Early in Career

Veteran singer Engelbert Humperdinck, 90, has spoken about the difficult experiences he faced early in his career, detailing how he was repeatedly subjected to unwanted advances from male talent agents.

During a recent episode of "The Engelbert Humperdinck Show," the British performer shared that in his early 20s, he traveled from his hometown of Leicester, England, to London to pursue a music career. He recalled that securing representation was challenging, as many agents were more interested in pursuing him personally.

"In those days, you know, a lot of the agencies were…the men that fancied men," Humperdinck said. "I had to go through a lot because I got chased a lot by agents."

He described the situation as encountering a form of the "casting couch," though not in a Hollywood context but within the realm of talent agencies.

"Every agent I went to was the same thing," he added. "Except I did find one guy that helped me out. He was a married man."

This supportive agent was identified as Sydney Myers, who allowed the aspiring singer to stay in his London apartment for six months. Myers also assisted with other living expenses, and his wife welcomed Humperdinck into their home.

"She treated me very well. I ate very well during that six months, you know," Humperdinck recalled. "And he was a meticulous man. I liked him very much."

Myers's assistance helped Humperdinck secure a 42-week engagement on the British music program "Song Parade." Performing as Gerry Dorsey at the time, this television exposure was instrumental in establishing him and led to further opportunities before he adopted the stage name Engelbert Humperdinck.

Throughout these early struggles, Humperdinck received encouragement from his longtime girlfriend, Patricia, who would later become his wife. The couple married in 1964 and remained together for 56 years until her death in 2021. They had four children.