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Last updated on the 4 September 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 3 July 1958, Frome, Somerset, England.
Charlie Higson is a multi-talented actor, comedian, author and former singer. His early life was marked by a diverse range of interests and experiences that would later shape his eclectic career. Higson attended Sevenoaks School in Kent, where he developed a passion for the arts. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours in literature and entertainment.
After completing his schooling, Higson pursued higher education at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich. It was here that he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings and Terry Edwards, who would become his lifelong friends and collaborators. At UEA, Higson studied English and American Literature, a choice that reflected his deep-seated love for storytelling and the written word. During his time at university, he also formed the band The Higsons, where he served as the lead singer from 1980 to 1986. This period was marked by a vibrant punk rock scene and Higson’s involvement in music added another layer to his creative repertoire.
Charlie Higson’s career in film and television began to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He started writing for Harry Enfield with Paul Whitehouse and performing comedy, which eventually led to his breakthrough as one of the main writers and performers of the BBC Two sketch show “The Fast Show” (1994–2000). This show became a cultural phenomenon, known for its quick-fire sketches and memorable characters. Higson’s versatility as a performer and writer was evident in his ability to create and portray a wide range of comedic personas.
In addition to “The Fast Show,” Charlie Higson’s notable television appearances include his work on the radio comedy “Down the Line,” the film thriller “Suite 16,” and the BBC Three sitcom “Swiss Toni.” He also worked as a producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on “Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)” from 2000 to 2001. In 2013, Higson adapted Agatha Christie’s “A Caribbean Mystery” for ITV’s “Agatha Christie’s Marple” series, further cementing his reputation as a skilled storyteller.
Charlie Higson has also made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of young adult fiction and horror. He is best known for two major series: the Young Bond series and The Enemy series.
He is married to Victoria L. Fullick and together they have three sons. The family resides in London, where Higson continues to balance his work in television, film and literature. Despite his busy schedule, he finds time to indulge in his hobbies, which include gardening, a passion that provides a tranquil counterpoint to his often hectic professional life.
Suggested viewing
The Fast Show (1994)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2
The Fast Show is a British comedy sketch show renowned for its rapid-fire delivery and memorable characters. With a relentless pace, it presents a diverse range of absurd and often surreal scenarios, populated by iconic figures like the hapless Ted and Ralph, the enigmatic Swiss Toni and the perpetually unlucky Alf. Its sharp wit, catchphrases, and lightning-quick transitions have solidified its status as a comedy classic, leaving a lasting impact on British television.
Top cast: Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Arabella Weir, Simon Day, John Thomson, Caroline Aherne, Mark Williams, Colin McFarlane, Rhys Thomas.
https://youtu.be/cabRgS4Y920?si=KKdKDzLLURF-_aGU