Ronnie Corbett (1930–2016) was a beloved Scottish comedian and actor, best known as one half of the iconic comedy duo The Two Ronnies alongside Ronnie Barker. His career spanned over six decades, during which he became a national treasure through his masterful comic timing, diminutive stature, and “armchair monologues.” Standing at just 5 feet 1 inch, Corbett frequently utilized self-deprecating humor regarding his height, which became a signature element of his comedic persona. Beyond his partnership with Barker, Corbett starred in successful sitcoms such as Sorry! and No – That’s Me Over Here!, and remained a staple of British television well into his eighties.
Early Life and Military Service
Before becoming a household name, Ronnie Corbett served in the armed forces and held various civil service roles.
Edinburgh Roots and Acting Ambition
Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in Edinburgh on December 4, 1930, he was the son of a master baker. His passion for performance ignited during a youth club pantomime at age 17, where he played the dame. Despite a lack of family history in theater, this experience convinced him to pursue acting as a vocation, leading him to amateur dramatics while working for the Ministry of Agriculture.
Shortest Commissioned Officer in the RAF
During his National Service in the early 1950s, Corbett served in the Royal Air Force. He gained a unique footnote in military history as the shortest commissioned officer in the British Forces, holding the rank of Pilot Officer. His time in the RAF allowed him to refine his performance skills in service shows before he eventually moved to London to start his professional acting career.
The Rise of The Two Ronnies
The partnership between Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker is often cited as the gold standard of British variety and sketch comedy.
Meeting at Winston’s Nightclub
The duo first met in 1963 at the Buckstone Club in London, where Corbett was working as a barman to supplement his income. Their first professional collaboration occurred in 1966 on David Frost’s The Frost Report. Both men connected over their shared background of not attending university, a rarity in a satirical scene dominated by Oxbridge graduates.
The Famous Armchair Monologues
A highlight of The Two Ronnies (1971–1987) was Corbett’s solo section. Sitting in a large, leather armchair that exaggerated his small size, he would deliver a meandering joke that often took several minutes to reach a punchline. These monologues were masterclasses in timing and audience engagement, often involving fictional anecdotes about his “producer” or family life.
Solo Success and Sitcom Stardom
While his partnership with Barker was legendary, Corbett maintained a prolific career as a solo actor in several long-running sitcoms.
Timothy Lumsden in “Sorry!”
From 1981 to 1988, Corbett starred in Sorry! as Timothy Lumsden, a 41-year-old librarian still living with his overbearing mother. The catchphrase “Language, Timothy!” became a cultural staple. The show explored the comedy and pathos of late-blooming independence, and it remains one of the most successful BBC sitcoms of the 1980s.
Later Career and “Extras” Cameo
In his later years, Corbett proved his versatility by leaning into “edgier” comedy. In 2005, he appeared as a fictionalized, cocaine-using version of himself in Ricky Gervais’s Extras. This self-parody was widely acclaimed for its boldness and demonstrated his willingness to subvert his “clean” variety image to stay relevant to younger audiences.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Outside of show business, Corbett was an avid sportsman and a dedicated family man who supported numerous charitable causes.
Marriage to Anne Hart
Corbett married actress and dancer Anne Hart in 1966, a union that lasted 49 years until his death in 2016. The couple had two daughters, Emma and Sophie, who both pursued careers in the arts. Their first son, Andrew, tragically passed away at just six weeks old due to a heart defect, a loss that the couple spoke about with great sensitivity in later years.
Passions: Golf and Cricket
An enthusiastic golfer, Corbett was a regular fixture at celebrity pro-am events and was a long-term member of Addington Golf Club. He was also deeply involved with the cricketing charity the Lord’s Taverners, serving as its president twice. His love for these sports often bled into his comedy, with many of his monologues featuring golf-related punchlines.
Honours and Final Years
Ronnie Corbett’s contribution to the arts was recognized by the British monarchy and his peers across the industry.
OBE and CBE Awards
In 1978, Corbett and Barker were both awarded the OBE at the height of The Two Ronnies’ success. Decades later, in the 2012 New Year Honours, Corbett was promoted to CBE for his services to entertainment and charity. He was presented with the award by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, an event he described as one of the proudest moments of his life.
Battle with Motor Neurone Disease
In 2015, Corbett was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). He passed away on March 31, 2016, at the age of 85, surrounded by his family. His death prompted a national outpouring of grief, with tributes from across the globe. A service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey in 2017 to celebrate his immense contribution to British culture.
Practical Information for Fans
For those looking to explore the sites associated with Ronnie Corbett’s life and work, here is a practical guide.
Birthplace: The Royal Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh (his childhood home was in the Morningside area).
The “Two Ronnies” Pub Tribute: The public house near his former home in East Lothian often displays “Four Candles” in the window as a tribute.
Resting Place: His funeral was held at St John the Evangelist in Shirley, and his memorial is celebrated at Westminster Abbey.
Viewing Locations: Much of his work is archived and available for viewing at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank in London.
FAQs
What was Ronnie Corbett’s height?
Ronnie Corbett was 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall.
When did Ronnie Corbett die?
He passed away on March 31, 2016, at the age of 85.
What was the “Four Candles” sketch?
It is a famous Two Ronnies sketch where a customer (Barker) asks a hardware shop owner (Corbett) for “four candles,” which turns out to be “fork handles.”
Who was Ronnie Corbett’s wife?
He was married to the actress and dancer Anne Hart from 1966 until his death.
What sitcom did Ronnie Corbett star in?
His most famous solo sitcom was Sorry!, where he played the character Timothy Lumsden.
Did Ronnie Corbett have children?
Yes, he had two daughters, Emma and Sophie. His son, Andrew, died in infancy.
What was Ronnie Corbett’s catchphrase?
His most famous catchphrase, shared with Ronnie Barker, was “And it’s goodnight from him.”
Was Ronnie Corbett in a James Bond movie?
Yes, he played the character Polo in the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale.
What was the cause of Ronnie Corbett’s death?
He died from complications related to motor neurone disease (MND).
Where was Ronnie Corbett born?
He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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