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Last updated on the 6 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 20 May 1958, Stanleytown, Glamorgan, Wales.
Paul Whitehouse, a name synonymous with British sketch comedy, boasts a career rich with unforgettable characters and side-splitting humour. Born in Wales, his background is a unique blend of influences. His father, a coal miner, instilled a strong work ethic, while his opera singer mother sparked a creative streak that would later blossom. The family’s move to England when Whitehouse was young exposed him to diverse accents and mannerisms, a wellspring of material for his future comedic pursuits.
Despite his comedic talent, academics weren’t necessarily Whitehouse’s forte. He dropped out of the University of East Anglia, but this unexpected turn opened doors to new experiences. Working for Hackney Council, he encountered a cast of characters that would inspire some of his most iconic creations. Evenings spent with friend Charlie Higson, honing their comedic impersonations, further solidified Whitehouse’s path.
A pivotal moment arrived when Whitehouse and Higson met Harry Enfield. Whitehouse’s portrayal of Stavros, the flamboyant Greek kebab shop owner, resonated with Enfield, who adopted the character for his own show. This collaboration proved to be a launchpad for Whitehouse’s career.
The mid-90s saw the birth of “The Fast Show,” a sketch comedy juggernaut that cemented Whitehouse’s place in comedy royalty. Alongside a stellar cast, Whitehouse unleashed a fresh wave of characters, from the monosyllabic Irish gardener Ted to the pretentious Rowley Birkin. The show’s sharp social commentary and absurdist humour resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Whitehouse’s reputation as a master of comedic observation.
Paul Whitehouse’s talents extend beyond sketch comedy. He has delivered memorable performances in films like Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” and “Alice in Wonderland,” showcasing his voice acting prowess. He surprised audiences with his dramatic acting chops in Armando Iannucci’s “The Death of Stalin.”
While his professional life has been a whirlwind of laughter, Whitehouse keeps his personal life relatively private. Divorced with three children, he is known for his close friendship with fellow comedian Bob Mortimer, with whom he co-stars in the heartwarming fishing series “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.” The show offers a glimpse into a more introspective side of Whitehouse, one that values quiet contemplation alongside the boisterous world of comedy.
Suggested viewing
The Fast Show (1994)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2
This sketch show delivers rapid-fire satire, lampooning everything from pretentious salespeople to unlucky everymen. Fast-paced cuts showcase a zany cast of recurring characters, from tracksuit-clad philosophers to frustrated football fans. Catchphrases and witty observations on British life made this show a comedy classic.
Top cast: Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Arabella Weir, Simon Day, John Thomson, Caroline Aherne, Mark Williams, Colin McFarlane, Rhys Thomas.
Harry Enfield’s Television
Programme (1990)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
From clueless lads to gossipy pensioners, the show pokes fun at British stereotypes with outrageous antics. Catchphrases and recurring characters made this series a pop-culture phenomenon, spawning spin-offs and solidifying its place in comedic history.
Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kathy Burke, Jon Glover, Aden Gillett, Joe McGann, Martin Clunes, Nathaniel Parker, Caroline Quentin.
Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul (2007)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
This sketch comedy dives into British social classes and gender roles with absurd humour. Through recurring characters and parodies of everything from film noir to posh antiques dealers, the show skewers societal norms with witty dialogue and awkward situations, leaving viewers both tickled and questioning the absurdity of everyday life.
Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Sophie Winkleman, Alice Lowe, Catherine Shepherd, Laura Solon, Simon Day, Kevin Eldon, Daniel Kaluuya, Morwenna Banks.
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 7.3
After the Soviet leader’s sudden demise, his terrified inner circle scrambles for power. Amidst hilarious paranoia and political backstabbing, they jockey for position, desperately trying to outwit each other while the country waits with bated breath to see who will rise as the new dictator.
Top cast: Steve Buscemi, Michael Palin, Paul Whitehouse, Jeffrey Tambor, Andrea Riseborough, Simon Russell Beale, Jason Isaacs, Dermot Crowley, Olga Kurylenko, Tom Brooke, Paddy Considine, Justin Edwards.
Mortimer & Whitehouse:
Gone Fishing (2018)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.9
Paul and Bob, bonded by humour and health scares, embark on a heartwarming journey across Britain’s scenic waterways. Their quest to catch fish is secondary to their quest for companionship, as they share funny stories, life reflections and quiet moments of contemplation by the tranquil rivers and lakes.
Top cast: Bob Mortimer, Paul Whitehouse.
Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s (2014)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4
To celebrate a channel’s anniversary, Harry and Paul take a look back at its history. Through sketches and impersonations, they mock iconic BBC2 shows and presenters, from stuffy documentaries to groundbreaking dramas. It’s a love letter to television filled with self-deprecating humour and affectionate jabs at the channel’s quirks and personalities.
Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kevin Eldon, Rhys Thomas, Simon Greenall, Joseph Morpurgo, Catherine Shepherd, Rosie Cavaliero, Justin Edwards, Lucy Montgomery, Elliot Speller-Gillott.
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