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Last updated on the 12 July 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 4 December 1930, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Ronald Balfour Corbett, wasn’t your typical leading man. Diminutive in stature, Ronnie Corbett, as he was known, possessed an outsized talent for comedy that would propel him to become a household name in Britain.
Ronnie Corbett’s foray into the world of performance began in his youth. School productions and church youth club plays nurtured his love for the stage. Despite this early passion, his initial career path took a more conventional turn with a stint at the Ministry of Agriculture. However, the call of the spotlight proved too strong. National Service with the Royal Air Force, where he achieved commissioned officer status, provided a brief interruption, but upon discharge, Ronnie set his sights firmly on a career in entertainment.
The 1950s saw Corbett honing his comedic skills in the fertile ground of British variety shows. He found a niche on the popular children’s program “Crackerjack,” a mainstay for over three decades.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1966 when David Frost’s satirical show, “The Frost Report,” brought Ronnie together with another comedic talent, Ronnie Barker. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. The duo’s witty sketches and hilarious banter resonated with audiences, laying the foundation for their future partnership.
The 1970s marked the golden age of Ronnie Corbett. “The Two Ronnies,” a BBC sketch show that ran from 1971 to 1987, cemented their place in British comedy royalty. Corbett’s trademark monologues delivered from his trademark armchair, his bewildered exasperation at Barker’s antics and his endearingly self-deprecating humour became cultural touchstones. Their comedic range was vast, encompassing slapstick, wordplay and witty observations on British life.
Beyond “The Two Ronnies,” Corbett carved his own comedic path with sitcoms like “No – That’s Me Over Here!” and “Sorry!”. He also found success as a writer, contributing to various shows.
Ronnie Corbett’s personal life was a happy one. He married actress Anne Hart in 1965, and they remained together until his passing in 2016. The couple had three children – Sophie, Andrew and Emma. Despite his fame, Ronnie was known for his humility and kindness, cherished by his family, friends and colleagues.
Ronnie Corbett’s legacy lies in his ability to bring laughter into millions of homes. His diminutive stature belied a giant of British comedy. His work with Ronnie Barker remains a benchmark for sketch comedy, while his solo endeavours showcased his versatility and enduring appeal. Even today, his monologues and sketches continue to bring smiles, a testament to the enduring power of this comedic genius.
Suggested viewing
The Two Ronnies (1971)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
The Two Ronnies was a long-running sketch comedy show that tickled audiences with witty dialogue, slapstick humour and absurd scenarios. Two comedians, a tall and a short one, played various roles, from newsreaders with nonsensical headlines to characters in recurring spoof serials. Each episode offered a delightful mix of fast-paced skits, musical interludes and rambling anecdotes, all guaranteed to leave viewers chuckling.
Top cast: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, John Owens.
Sorry! (1981)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.7
Stuck at home with his overbearing mother, a timid librarian longs for love and independence. His attempts to woo a new love interest are hilariously derailed by his mum’s meddling, forcing him into an absurd situation. A secret opportunity for wealth arises but keeping it from his mother proves to be another comical challenge.
Top cast: Ronnie Corbett, Barbara Lott, William Moore, Marguerite Hardiman, Roy Holder, Derek Fuke, Wendy Allnutt.
The Frost Report (1966)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8
The Frost Report, a satirical British comedy show from the 1960s, used sketches, monologues and songs to poke fun at everything from social class and current events to everyday annoyances. It launched the careers of comedy legends like John Cleese and Ronnie Barker, offering a sharp and witty commentary on British society through hilarious scenarios and absurd characters.
Top cast: David Frost, Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, John Cleese, Sheila Steafel, Julie Felix, Nicholas Smith, Tom Lehrer, Nicky Henson.
No – That’s Me Over Here! (1967)
Bftv ? / IMDb 7.1
This sitcom follows a small but ambitious man coping with the daily grind. His train commutes are filled with awkward encounters with his pretentious neighbour and the office offers its own set of challenges. Despite a happy home life, his yearning for recognition at work and a touch of youthful coolness often leads him into comical situations. Through it all, his unwavering optimism and ability to land on his feet keep him going.
Top cast: Ronnie Corbett, Rosemary Leach, Henry McGee, Ivor Dean, Jill Mai Meredith, Michael Nightingale, Gillian Lind, Colin Baker.
No Sex Please – We’re British (1973)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 5.4
A newlywed couple’s life takes a turn for the worse when a mail-order mishap floods their apartment with a seemingly endless supply of pornography. Their attempts to hide the growing mountain of X-rated material from the uptight bank manager who lives below, the wife’s strict father who also happens to be the manager’s boss and a suspicious police inspector lead to a chaotic series of near misses and desperate schemes, all fuelled by British propriety and a sprinkle of mild bawdiness.
Top cast: Ronnie Corbett, Beryl Reid, Arthur Lowe, Ian Ogilvy, Susan Penhaligon, Michael Bates, Cheryl Hall, David Swift, Deryck Guyler, Valerie Leon, Margaret Nolan.
The Picnic (1976)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.0
A grumpy old general shepherds his equally eccentric family on a countryside picnic. The outing descends into hilarious chaos as mishaps unfold entirely through slapstick and sound effects. Imagine burnt sandwiches flung through the air, runaway picnic baskets careening down hills and a determined dog persistently chasing after a rogue sausage. Despite the mayhem, the family perseveres, their bond evident even amidst the comical pandemonium.
Top cast: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Julie Crosthwaite, Barbara New, Madge Hindle, Dennis Ramsden, Patricia Brake.
By the Sea (1982)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4
This comedy follows a boisterous family vacation at a traditional seaside resort. The trip is led by a blustering patriarch, with his long-suffering wife and a cast of quirky relatives in tow. Hijinks ensue as they enjoy the classic English seaside experience, from deckchair disasters to encounters with eccentric locals. Slapstick humour and visual gags take center stage, with plenty of seaside postcard references adding a touch of bawdy humour to the sunny chaos.
Top cast: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Barbara New, Madge Hindle, Debbi Blythe, Rikki Howard, Gerrie Raymond, John Brewer.
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