A devout Catholic, he attended daily mass religiously in New York, where he lived, or in whatever city he happened to be appearing.
Appeared in scores of musical revues with wife Madge Elliott, who was once a ballet dancer with the "Exquisite Eight" who turned to musical comedy. They became instant stars in the musical "Going Up" in 1919.
At one time owned a poodle named "Trim" a derivative of his sir name "Trimnell-Ritchard."
Awarded a Tony in 1955 for Supporting Actor in the musical, 'Peter Pan'.
During the 20s when he visited New York to perform, he shared an apartment with Walter Pidgeon. They performed together in the revue "Puzzles of 1925."
His very first role (in Australia) was in a production of "The Pink Lady" in which he played "the Satyr," a foreshadowing of the devilish merry-making to come.
Staged, and occasionally appeared in, several operas at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, most notably Offenbach's "La Perichole", in which he also appeared as the Viceroy, and Rossini's "The Barber of Seville", in which he played the role of the mute servant, Ambroggio.
Starred in a 1950 radio version of "David Copperfield" with Richard Burton in the titular role and Cyril playing Micawber.
When he died in 1977, he was survived by a foster son.
Won Broadway's 1955 Tony Award as Best Supporting of Featured Actor (Musical) for playing Captain Hook, his signature role, in "Peter Pan," a performance he recreated in several television versions. Was also nominated for four other Tony Awards: in 1957, as Best Actor (Dramatic) for "A Visit to a Small Planet;" in 1959, as both Best Actor (Dramatic) and Best Director for "The Pleasure of His Company;" and in 1965 as Best Actor (Musical) for "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd.: