Lionel and his sister Joyce's father, a barber encouraged their interest in dancing and theatre. Lionel started as a boy actor with the RSC but there was little money in it., When his father died his agent suggested that they switch to light entertainment where there was more money, For a while he danced at The Windmill in London's Soho and he had a few parts in films including The World of Suzi Wong. He married in March 1967 and had 3 children
Lived near Manor House in London during the war and would often do concerts with his sister Joyce in shelters of underground stations.
Of Russian Jewish ancestry, in Britain from the age of two. His father, Myer Ogus, a barber, had emigrated from Russia to Canada to start a new life and his wife, Debora "Della" Greenbaum, joined him shortly afterwards.