Bob Grant (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bob Grant
Bob Grant as Jack Harper in On the Buses
Born	Robert St Clair Grant (1932-04-14)14 April 1932 Hammersmith, London, England
Died	8 November 2003(2003-11-08) (aged 71) Twyning, Gloucestershire, England
Occupation	Actor comedian writer
Years active	1952–1998
Spouse(s)	Jean Hyett ​ ​ (m. 1954, divorced)​ Christine Sally Kemp ​ ​ (m. 1962, divorced)​ Kim Benwell ​ (m. 1971)​

Robert St Clair Grant (born April 14, 1932 – died November 8, 2003) was an English actor, comedian, and writer. He is most famous for playing the bus conductor Jack Harper in the popular TV show On the Buses. He also starred in the movies and stage versions of the show.

Bob Grant's Early Life

Bob Grant was born in Hammersmith, West London, England, on April 14, 1932. His parents were Albert George Grant and Florence Burston. He went to Aldenham School for his education.

Starting His Acting Career

Joan Littlewood directed Bob Grant in a play called Every Man in His Humour in 1960.

Bob Grant studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. To earn money, he worked as a salesman and even as a bus driver, which is interesting because of his most famous role later on!

After serving in the Royal Artillery (a part of the army), he performed on stage for the first time in 1952. He appeared in a play called Worm's Eye View in Horsham.

His first show in London was in 1956. He spent several years acting at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. He then got a main role in the musical Blitz! in London's West End, where he performed for two years.

In 1964, he was in a musical comedy called Instant Marriage. He helped write the story and songs for this show.

Bob Grant also started appearing in movies. These included Sparrows Can't Sing (1963) and Till Death Us Do Part (1969). In 1967, he returned to the Theatre Royal, Stratford. He starred in a funny play called Mrs Wilson's Diary, which later moved to the West End.

In 1968, he acted in a six-part radio comedy show called The 17-Jewelled Shockproof Swiss-Made Bomb.

Becoming Famous with On the Buses

Bob Grant became very well-known for playing Jack Harper, the bus conductor, in the TV comedy show On the Buses. The show ran for 74 episodes from 1969 to 1973.

He also helped write 11 episodes and one special show with his co-star Stephen Lewis, who played Inspector Blakey.

On the Buses was very popular right away. Its success led to three movies: On the Buses (1971), Mutiny on the Buses (1972), and Holiday on the Buses (1973). This TV series was the most successful part of his career.

Later Years and Challenges

After On the Buses ended, Bob Grant found it hard to get other acting jobs. People mostly saw him as Jack Harper. He traveled to Australia to perform in a comedy play. He also continued to appear in musicals and pantomimes (family shows, often at Christmas).

In 1975, he wrote and starred in a TV pilot show called Milk-O. He played a milkman who had funny adventures. However, this show did not become a full series, and Bob Grant did not act on television again after that.

In 1980, he played the main character in a BBC radio version of Don Quixote. Later, in 1986, he played a detective in a radio comedy thriller. On stage, he also performed in Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale.

In the 1980s, Bob Grant went through some difficult times. He faced personal challenges because he wasn't getting much work and had money worries. In 1987, he left his home for a few days to clear his head. He later said he felt very low and just needed to get away. After this, he gained some public attention, which helped him get a few more acting jobs.

In 1990, there were plans to bring On the Buses back as a new show called Back on the Buses. The whole original cast, including Bob Grant, even appeared on a TV show called Wogan to talk about it. However, the new show never happened because it couldn't get enough money.

Another long period without work led to more personal struggles in 1995. He and his wife went on holiday to Goa in India to feel better. When they returned, they moved to a small cottage in Twyning, Gloucestershire, hoping for a fresh start. Bob Grant lived a very quiet life there.

His last acting role was in a play called Funny Money in July 1998. Sadly, his new start didn't last, as bills continued to arrive and work remained scarce.

Bob Grant passed away in 2003.

Bob Grant's Film Appearances

Bob Grant's TV Appearances

The following is a list of television programmes in which Grant was involved.

See also