Housman was one of two actors of the time who was famous for playing drunks, the other being Jack Norton. In real life Norton didn't drink at all, while Housman unfortunately developed a serious drinking problem.

I came to the stage by the star route. I read, when I was 17 years old, that any one born on October 10 - my birthday - was, astrologically, destined to be a great actor. I foolishly believed the stars, and here I am.