Ronnie Corbett

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Lore & Background

Corbett was born at The Royal Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh, the son of a master baker. After leaving school he decided he wanted to be an actor while performing in amateur theatricals at a church youth club, though his first job was with the Ministry of Agriculture. Following national service, Corbett moved to London to start his acting career. At 5 ft 1 in tall, he was suited to playing roles younger than his years. He appeared in Crackerjack as a regular in its early days and had a walk-on in an early episode of The Saint. He achieved prominence and began performing with Ronnie Barker in David Frost's satirical comedy programme The Frost Report (1966–67). Corbett and Barker were drawn together as two grammar school or state secondary school boys who had not gone to university. Corbett's BBC television comedy show with Ronnie Barker, The Two Ronnies, ran from 1971 to 1987. Corbett presented a monologue sitting in a large easy chair, usually wearing a Lyle & Scott golfing V-neck sweater, stretching a simple joke over several minutes.

Reader's Guide

Ronnie Corbett's significance lies in his long-running partnership with Ronnie Barker on The Two Ronnies, a cornerstone of British television comedy from 1971 to 1987. His distinctive meandering chair monologues became a signature, showcasing his ability to extract humour from simple premises through timing and self-deprecation. Corbett's height (5 ft 1 in) was frequently referenced in his humour and provided visual cues in sketches such as the Class sketch on The Frost Report. His career spanned from early roles in Crackerjack and The Saint to later appearances in charity music videos and game shows. Corbett's legacy endures as a beloved figure in British comedy, remembered for his gentle, understated style and his enduring partnership with Ronnie Barker.

Did You Know?

• Corbett was the shortest commissioned officer in the British Forces during his national service with the Royal Air Force.
• He met his wife Anne Hart while working at Danny La Rue's Mayfair nightclub.
• Corbett released a novelty single 'It's All Going Up Up Up' in 1970, a satire on inflation promoted by David Frost.
• He accidentally fell on a treadmill during the music video for 'Is This the Way to Amarillo?' and the fall was kept in the final version.