Ronnie Corbett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ronnie Corbett CBE
Corbett in 2010
Born	Ronald Balfour Corbett (1930-12-04)4 December 1930 Edinburgh, Scotland
Died	31 March 2016(2016-03-31) (aged 85) Shirley, London, England
Resting place	Croydon Crematorium
Occupation	Actor, broadcaster, comedian, writer
Years active	1952–2014
Height	5 ft 1 in (155 cm)
Spouse(s)	Anne Hart ​ (m. 1966)​
Children	3 (1 deceased)
Military career
Service/branch	Royal Air Force
Years of service	1950–1953
Rank	Flying Officer
Unit	Film Unit

Ronald Balfour Corbett (4 December 1930 – 31 March 2016) was a famous Scottish actor, broadcaster, comedian, and writer. He was well-known for his long partnership with Ronnie Barker in the BBC comedy show The Two Ronnies. He first became famous in the 1960s on David Frost's comedy program The Frost Report. Later, he starred in popular TV shows like No – That's Me Over Here!, Now Look Here, and Sorry!.

Ronnie Corbett started his acting journey after moving from Edinburgh to London. He had early roles in TV series such as Crackerjack and The Saint. He also appeared in films like You're Only Young Twice and Casino Royale. He first worked with Ronnie Barker in 1966 on The Frost Report. Five years later, the BBC gave them their own show. The Two Ronnies was a comedy sketch show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It became their most famous work. Corbett was especially known for his funny, rambling monologues from an armchair.

Early Life and Beginnings

Ronnie Corbett was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 4 December 1930. His father, William Balfour Corbett, was a master baker. His mother was Annie Elizabeth Corbett. Ronnie had a younger brother named Allan and a younger sister named Margaret.

He went to James Gillespie's Boys School and the Royal High School in Edinburgh. After school, he decided he wanted to be an actor. He started by performing in plays at a church youth club. His first job, however, was working for the Ministry of Agriculture.

Corbett also served in the Royal Air Force for a few years. He was known for being the shortest commissioned officer in the British Forces.

Starting His Career

After his time in the Air Force, Corbett moved to London to become an actor. He was 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) tall, which often allowed him to play characters younger than his actual age. He often made jokes about his height in his comedy.

He appeared in the early days of the TV show Crackerjack. He also had a small part in an early episode of the 1960s series The Saint. He was in films like You're Only Young Twice (1952) and Casino Royale (1967).

In 1963, Corbett starred in the musical The Boys from Syracuse in London. In 1965, he was performing at a nightclub called Winston's. David Frost, a famous TV producer, saw him there and asked him to join his new show, The Frost Report. While working at the nightclub, Corbett met Anne Hart. They got married that same year, and their marriage lasted 49 years.

Working with David Frost

Ronnie Corbett first worked with Ronnie Barker on The Frost Report (1966–67). Many of the writers and actors on the show had gone to top universities. However, Corbett and Barker connected because they both came from regular schools and had not gone to university. The show featured funny monologues, sketches, and music. People soon started to see Corbett and Barker as a comedy duo.

They appeared with John Cleese in a very famous sketch called the Class sketch. In this sketch, Corbett's height was a key part of the humor. He looked up to Cleese and Barker's characters, and his character delivered the funny final line: "I get a pain in the back of my neck."

After The Frost Report, Corbett starred in the TV show No – That's Me Over Here! (1967–70). He also hosted The Corbett Follies (1969).

The Two Ronnies

Corbett's most famous TV show was The Two Ronnies, which he did with Ronnie Barker. It was a BBC comedy show that ran from 1971 to 1987. In the show, Barker and Corbett performed many different sketches and musical numbers.

A popular part of the show was Corbett's monologue. He would sit in a large, comfy armchair, which made him look even smaller. He would tell a simple joke, but he would stretch it out over several minutes. He often pretended to lose his way in the story, which made it even funnier.

Later Work and Appearances

After The Two Ronnies, Corbett's next big role was as Timothy Lumsden in the TV show Sorry! (1981–88). Timothy was a man in his 40s who was still controlled by his mother.

In 1997, Corbett played Reggie Sea Lions in the film Fierce Creatures. He also hosted the game show Small Talk. He continued to appear in various shows, sometimes bringing back his armchair monologues. In 2003, he was in funny advertisements for the Sky+ TV service with rock star Alice Cooper.

In 2005, Corbett reunited with Ronnie Barker for The Two Ronnies Sketchbook. This show featured old sketches from their original series with new introductions. Also in 2005, Corbett appeared in the music video for the song "Is This the Way to Amarillo?" with comedian Peter Kay. This video helped raise money for Comic Relief. People remember him accidentally falling on a treadmill in the video, which was kept in because it was so funny.

Corbett and Susie Silvey on the set of Sorry!, 1980s.

Corbett continued to appear on TV in shows like Extras and Little Britain Abroad in 2006. He was also a guest on the BBC Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs in 2007. In 2009, he was in an episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures for Red Nose Day. He also had a TV interview about his life on Piers Morgan's Life Stories.

In 2010, Corbett was in the film Burke & Hare. He also appeared on the comedy show Would I Lie to You?. Later that year, he starred in a special show called The One Ronnie. From 2010, Corbett was also in the BBC Radio 4 comedy show When The Dog Dies.

Awards and Personal Life

Ronnie Corbett was honored for his work in entertainment and charity. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012. In 2002, a university in Edinburgh gave him an honorary degree.

On 30 May 1966, Corbett married actress and dancer Anne Hart. They had two daughters, Emma and Sophie, who also became actresses. Their first child, a son named Andrew, sadly died when he was very young due to a heart problem.

Corbett loved playing golf and often took part in celebrity golf events. He was also a big fan of cricket and supported his local football team, Crystal Palace FC, as well as his hometown club, Heart of Midlothian FC.

His Final Years

Ronnie Corbett passed away on 31 March 2016, at the age of 85. He had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease a year before.

Many famous people shared their sadness after his death. John Cleese said Corbett had "the best timing" he had ever seen. Sir Bruce Forsyth called it "one of the saddest days of my life." David Walliams, a close friend, said Corbett was his "comedy idol."

Corbett's funeral was held on 18 April 2016. As a tribute to one of his classic Two Ronnies sketches, Four Candles, four candles were displayed at the altar. A memorial service was also held for him in Westminster Abbey in 2017.

Film and Television Roles

Film

Television

Images for kids

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  Corbett in 2010

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  Corbett and Susie Silvey on the set of Sorry!, 1980s.

See also

In Spanish: Ronnie Corbett para niños