Bobby Ball facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bobby Ball
Ball in August 2013
Born	Robert Harper (1944-01-28)28 January 1944 Oldham, Lancashire, England
Died	28 October 2020(2020-10-28) (aged 76) Blackpool, Lancashire, England
Occupation	Comedian and actor
Years active	1972–2020
Spouse(s)	Joan Lynn ​ ​ (m. 1964; div. 1970)​ Yvonne Nugent ​ (m. 1974)​
Children	3

Robert Harper (born January 28, 1944 – died October 28, 2020), known as Bobby Ball, was a famous British comedian, actor, singer, and TV host. He was best known as one half of the comedy duo Cannon and Ball. His partner was his friend, Tommy Cannon (Thomas Derbyshire).

They had their own popular show on ITV, The Cannon and Ball Show, which ran for nine years from 1979 to 1988. After that, Bobby Ball starred in many other TV shows. These included comedies and dramas like Last of the Summer Wine, Heartbeat, and Not Going Out. In 2005, Bobby also took part in the reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.

Early Life of Bobby Ball

Bobby Ball was born Robert Harper in Oldham, Lancashire, England. His birthday was January 28, 1944. His parents were May and Bob Harper.

He went to Crompton House C of E school. Later, he briefly studied Shipping Management. Bobby then worked in a factory as a welder. This is where he met Thomas Derbyshire, who would become his comedy partner, Tommy Cannon.

Bobby Ball's Career Highlights

Cannon and Ball Comedy Duo

Bobby Ball was part of the very successful comedy duo Cannon and Ball. His partner was his good friend, Tommy Cannon. Their Saturday night TV show, The Cannon and Ball Show, was a huge hit. It was one of the most popular shows for the TV company LWT.

They also starred in a film together called The Boys in Blue in 1982. In 1988, they appeared in the slapstick film Mr H Is Late. They were also guest stars on The Kenny Everett Television Show in 1982. Later, they appeared on Shooting Stars in 1996.

In 2005, Cannon and Ball competed in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. In 2011, they were guest judges on an ITV show called Show Me the Funny.

Bobby Ball's Television Roles

Bobby Ball also created children's cartoon series. He made Military Style! for ITV in 1990. He also created Juniper Jungle for the BBC in 1992.

He played Mr. Turner in the ITV drama series Heartbeat from 2005 to 2006. From 2005 to 2008, he played Lenny in the BBC series Last of the Summer Wine. In 2009, Bobby starred in the comedy The Fattest Man in Britain as Morris Morrissey.

From 2009, Bobby Ball played Frank in the popular BBC One sitcom Not Going Out. He filmed his last scenes for this show just weeks before he passed away. His final appearance as Frank aired in January 2021.

From 2011 to 2017, Bobby played Barry in the Sky1 sitcom Mount Pleasant. He also appeared on BBC One's Pointless Celebrities with Tommy Cannon. He returned to Pointless Celebrities for a Children in Need special in 2013.

In 2013, Bobby played Duckers in the ITV sitcom pilot The Security Men. He appeared with actors like Brendan O'Carroll. Cannon and Ball also appeared in ITV's Last Laugh in Vegas in 2018. They were also known for their roles in Safestyle UK TV advertisements. In 2019, he played Ray in The Cockfields.

Bobby Ball's Personal Life

Bobby Ball married his first wife, Joan Lynn, in 1964. They had two sons, Robert (born 1965) and Darren (born 1969). His sons are now a comedy duo themselves, performing as 'Harper'.

Bobby married his second wife, Yvonne Nugent, in 1974. He met Yvonne when he was performing with Tommy Cannon at a club. They had a daughter named Joanne, born in 1972. Bobby and Yvonne lived in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.

Around 1986, Bobby Ball became a Christian. This helped him become good friends with Tommy Cannon again. Tommy also became a Christian in 1992. They even wrote a book together called Christianity for Beginners. They often performed gospel shows in churches. Bobby also taught church leaders how to use humor in their talks.

He wrote his autobiography, My Life, in 1993. Bobby was a big supporter of the Variety, the Children's Charity. He helped with their events and fundraising. In 2018, he received a special award from Variety for his lifetime achievements.

Bobby Ball's Death

Bobby Ball passed away on October 28, 2020, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Blackpool. He was 76 years old. He died from complications related to COVID-19. After his death, a small tribute was shown for Bobby at the end of the 2021 New Year's special of Not Going Out.

Filmography

Film

Television