Paul Fox, the British television executive who commissioned iconic shows such as The Two Ronnies and Parkinson, has died aged 98.
Fox’s family informed the BBC of his passing this morning. He is best known for spells as Controller of BBC1 and Head of Network Television for the wider BBC, and as Managing Director of Yorkshire Television.
Fox, who as knighted in 1991, began his career in the 1950s as a newsreel scriptwriter and went on to upload Sportsview and Panorama. During that time he invented BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
In 1967, he then became head of BBC1, going on to commission some of the BBC’s biggest shows such as comedy The Two Ronnies, talk show Parkinson and wartime sitcom Dad’s Army.
Between 1973 and 1988 he led Yorkshire Television, which held the Yorkshire franchise for ITV at the time. He returned to the BBC before retiring.
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie,...
Fox’s family informed the BBC of his passing this morning. He is best known for spells as Controller of BBC1 and Head of Network Television for the wider BBC, and as Managing Director of Yorkshire Television.
Fox, who as knighted in 1991, began his career in the 1950s as a newsreel scriptwriter and went on to upload Sportsview and Panorama. During that time he invented BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
In 1967, he then became head of BBC1, going on to commission some of the BBC’s biggest shows such as comedy The Two Ronnies, talk show Parkinson and wartime sitcom Dad’s Army.
Between 1973 and 1988 he led Yorkshire Television, which held the Yorkshire franchise for ITV at the time. He returned to the BBC before retiring.
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Marcus Plantin, a British TV executive best known as ITV’s first Network Director and as a producer on The Two Ronnies, died Friday. He was 77.
The news was confirmed by Plantin’s family this afternoon. He passed away following a long illness, according to a former colleague who posted on social media.
Born on October 23, 1945, in Surrey, Plantin was a storied program maker and decision taker, known for producing beloved British comedy series The Two Ronnies and light entertainment hits such as The Generation Game, where he began his career.
He produced and directed hundreds of shows during a 14-year run at the BBC before moving to ITV affiliate London Weekend Television in 1985, where he developed a reputation as a light entertainment expert, working to create popular shows such as Blind Date.
In 1992, he was named network head at ITV, making him the most powerful player in UK commercial TV.
The news was confirmed by Plantin’s family this afternoon. He passed away following a long illness, according to a former colleague who posted on social media.
Born on October 23, 1945, in Surrey, Plantin was a storied program maker and decision taker, known for producing beloved British comedy series The Two Ronnies and light entertainment hits such as The Generation Game, where he began his career.
He produced and directed hundreds of shows during a 14-year run at the BBC before moving to ITV affiliate London Weekend Television in 1985, where he developed a reputation as a light entertainment expert, working to create popular shows such as Blind Date.
In 1992, he was named network head at ITV, making him the most powerful player in UK commercial TV.
- 6/2/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
British veteran comedy actress Josephine Tewson, who found her biggest success in her sixties starring in one of the 1990s’ biggest TV sitcoms, has died aged 91.
Tewson was best known for playing Elizabeth, the living-on-her-nerves neighbour of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, from 1990 to 1995.
But she appeared in a string of other shows too, such as Shelley with Hywel Bennet and No Appointment Necessary with Roy Kinnear. Following the success of Keeping Up Appearances, the show’s writer Roy Clarke gave Tewson the role of Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine, which she played from 2003 to 2010.
In a statement, her agent Jean Diamond said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.”
The actress died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home for actors and other members of the entertainment industry in north London.
Several decades before she enjoyed sitcom stardom,...
Tewson was best known for playing Elizabeth, the living-on-her-nerves neighbour of Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, from 1990 to 1995.
But she appeared in a string of other shows too, such as Shelley with Hywel Bennet and No Appointment Necessary with Roy Kinnear. Following the success of Keeping Up Appearances, the show’s writer Roy Clarke gave Tewson the role of Miss Davenport in Last of the Summer Wine, which she played from 2003 to 2010.
In a statement, her agent Jean Diamond said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.”
The actress died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home for actors and other members of the entertainment industry in north London.
Several decades before she enjoyed sitcom stardom,...
- 8/20/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
British comedian Barry Cryer, who wrote for sketch shows including ‘The Two Ronnies’ and ‘Morecambe and Wise,’ died on Tuesday in London, his family have confirmed. He was 86.
No cause of death has been released.
Cryer was a veteran of British television and radio. Born in Yorkshire, he originally began his career as a variety performer.
According to the BBC, broadcaster Sir David Frost spotted him on stage and invited him to work on his shows, including “The Frost Report” alongside writers John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Marty Feldman.
He would eventually go on to work on a number of beloved television and radio programmes including “Hello, Cheeky!,” “The Two Ronnies” and “Morecambe and Wise.”
He also wrote for dozens of famous comedians such as Bob Hope, Joan Rivers and Tommy Cooper.
Last month, Cryer launched a podcast with his son Bob, an actor and writer, interviewing many of his well-known friends including Stephen Fry,...
No cause of death has been released.
Cryer was a veteran of British television and radio. Born in Yorkshire, he originally began his career as a variety performer.
According to the BBC, broadcaster Sir David Frost spotted him on stage and invited him to work on his shows, including “The Frost Report” alongside writers John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Marty Feldman.
He would eventually go on to work on a number of beloved television and radio programmes including “Hello, Cheeky!,” “The Two Ronnies” and “Morecambe and Wise.”
He also wrote for dozens of famous comedians such as Bob Hope, Joan Rivers and Tommy Cooper.
Last month, Cryer launched a podcast with his son Bob, an actor and writer, interviewing many of his well-known friends including Stephen Fry,...
- 1/27/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Everything I knew about British culture as a kid I learned from TV. Canada has always been inundated with programming from our Commonwealth pal; Monty Python, Benny Hill, The Two Ronnies, et al paraded before my eyes but nary a horror. And then I discovered the Amicus and Hammer films; worlds unto themselves for exploration. While I’m still knee deep in cleavage and cobwebs, I’m compelled to check out the indie scene; and I happened to come across Psychomania (1973): a well known to some, unknown to many, and now beloved by me Occult Biker film that is absurd as it is entertaining.
Absurdity really is the prominent compound in this heady mash of free spirits and (un)deader ones; the mix of motorcycle mayhem with splashes of Satan works better than it should. That’s probably (at least partly) because the lower budget makes for lower stakes...
Absurdity really is the prominent compound in this heady mash of free spirits and (un)deader ones; the mix of motorcycle mayhem with splashes of Satan works better than it should. That’s probably (at least partly) because the lower budget makes for lower stakes...
- 4/10/2021
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
By Lee Pfeiffer
British actress Barbara Shelley has passed away from Covid-19 related ailments. She was 88 years-old. Shelley became popular with horror movie fans in the 1960s when she became one of the resident leading ladies at the legendary Hammer Films where she made several movies with another studio legend, Christopher Lee. Among Shelley's Hammer films were "The Camp on Blood Island" (a rare non-horror entry), "The Gorgon", "Dracula: Prince of Darkness", "Rasputin: The Mad Monk" and "Quatermass and the Pit". Shelley played the lead female role in the 1960 MGM cult classic "Village of the Damned" opposite George Sanders. She also played a recurring character in the 1984 "Doctor Who" television series. She appeared in other iconic British television shows including "Blake's 7", "The Avengers", "EastEnders", "Danger Man", "The Saint" "Man in a Suitcase" and "The Two Ronnies" as well as international favorites including "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "Route 66". For more,...
British actress Barbara Shelley has passed away from Covid-19 related ailments. She was 88 years-old. Shelley became popular with horror movie fans in the 1960s when she became one of the resident leading ladies at the legendary Hammer Films where she made several movies with another studio legend, Christopher Lee. Among Shelley's Hammer films were "The Camp on Blood Island" (a rare non-horror entry), "The Gorgon", "Dracula: Prince of Darkness", "Rasputin: The Mad Monk" and "Quatermass and the Pit". Shelley played the lead female role in the 1960 MGM cult classic "Village of the Damned" opposite George Sanders. She also played a recurring character in the 1984 "Doctor Who" television series. She appeared in other iconic British television shows including "Blake's 7", "The Avengers", "EastEnders", "Danger Man", "The Saint" "Man in a Suitcase" and "The Two Ronnies" as well as international favorites including "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "Route 66". For more,...
- 1/4/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
One of the consequences of the BBC’s decision to start up their own streaming service (how dare they) is that a lot of their shows will soon be departing from their competitors.
Britbox, in partnership with ITV, launched in the UK last November, and now the content available elsewhere has started to catch up. Today we’re going to run through the wealth of titles that’ll exit Netflix UK at the end of March. There’s a lot to run down, too. And yes, this is redundant for American readers. You’re more than welcome to stay for tea, though (which is more than just a cultural stereotype).
First up – and probably of most interest – are the BBC comedies leaving on March 30th:
A Bit of Fry and Laurie (4 Seasons) Absolutely Fabulous (6 Seasons) Almost Royal (2 Seasons) Daniel Deronda (1 Season) Extras (2 Seasons) Fawlty Towers (2 Seasons) French and Saunders (6 Seasons...
Britbox, in partnership with ITV, launched in the UK last November, and now the content available elsewhere has started to catch up. Today we’re going to run through the wealth of titles that’ll exit Netflix UK at the end of March. There’s a lot to run down, too. And yes, this is redundant for American readers. You’re more than welcome to stay for tea, though (which is more than just a cultural stereotype).
First up – and probably of most interest – are the BBC comedies leaving on March 30th:
A Bit of Fry and Laurie (4 Seasons) Absolutely Fabulous (6 Seasons) Almost Royal (2 Seasons) Daniel Deronda (1 Season) Extras (2 Seasons) Fawlty Towers (2 Seasons) French and Saunders (6 Seasons...
- 3/3/2020
- by Alex Crisp
- We Got This Covered
Kirsten Howard Sep 2, 2019
Keanu Reeves, as much as any actor of his generation, has left a legacy to be proud of. We take a look back at his career.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Much like his character in the John Wick films, Keanu Reeves is a man with very little to lose.
Often maligned for his lack of range as an actor, or dismissed as merely a vaguely goofy action star, every misstep that Reeves has taken throughout his career has come from an enviable ability to consistently take risks. Despite every effort to pigeonhole him, Keanu Reeves just won’t be told what he can and can’t do.
read more: The Matrix 4 in the Works with Keanu Reeves Set to Return
Born in Beirut to a showgirl and a geologist, Reeves is also a rabid fan of both The Two Ronnies and Bitcoin,...
Keanu Reeves, as much as any actor of his generation, has left a legacy to be proud of. We take a look back at his career.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Much like his character in the John Wick films, Keanu Reeves is a man with very little to lose.
Often maligned for his lack of range as an actor, or dismissed as merely a vaguely goofy action star, every misstep that Reeves has taken throughout his career has come from an enviable ability to consistently take risks. Despite every effort to pigeonhole him, Keanu Reeves just won’t be told what he can and can’t do.
read more: The Matrix 4 in the Works with Keanu Reeves Set to Return
Born in Beirut to a showgirl and a geologist, Reeves is also a rabid fan of both The Two Ronnies and Bitcoin,...
- 2/17/2017
- Den of Geek
Kirsten Howard Feb 17, 2017
Keanu Reeves, as much as any actor of his generation, has left a legacy to be proud of. We take a look back at his career.
Much like his character in the John Wick films, Keanu Reeves is a man with very little to lose.
See related Grimm season 6 episode 6 review: Breakfast In Bed Grimm season 6 episode 5 review: The Seven Year Itch Grimm season 6 episode 4 review: El Cuegle Grimm season 6 episode 3 review: Captain, My Captain
Often maligned for his lack of range as an actor, or dismissed as merely a vaguely goofy action star, every misstep that Reeves has taken throughout his career has come from an enviable ability to consistently take risks. Despite every effort to pigeonhole him, Keanu Reeves just won’t be told what he can and can’t do.
Born in Beirut to a showgirl and a geologist, Reeves is also a rabid...
Keanu Reeves, as much as any actor of his generation, has left a legacy to be proud of. We take a look back at his career.
Much like his character in the John Wick films, Keanu Reeves is a man with very little to lose.
See related Grimm season 6 episode 6 review: Breakfast In Bed Grimm season 6 episode 5 review: The Seven Year Itch Grimm season 6 episode 4 review: El Cuegle Grimm season 6 episode 3 review: Captain, My Captain
Often maligned for his lack of range as an actor, or dismissed as merely a vaguely goofy action star, every misstep that Reeves has taken throughout his career has come from an enviable ability to consistently take risks. Despite every effort to pigeonhole him, Keanu Reeves just won’t be told what he can and can’t do.
Born in Beirut to a showgirl and a geologist, Reeves is also a rabid...
- 2/8/2017
- Den of Geek
Jenny Morrill Dec 20, 2016
Russ Abbot, Bullseye, Noel Edmonds and a film we all watched in the same room. Christmas TV was more exciting in the 80s...
Cast your mind back to when Christmas Day wasn't about Doctor Who followed by sticking something on Netflix until it was time to go watch the annual fist fight outside the pub.
See related Looking back at Martin Scorsese's The King Of Comedy The Wolf Of Wall Street review The Wolf Of Wall Street & Scorsese's confrontational films
In the 80s, Christmas was about seeing which fantastic fare the TV had decided to bless us with. Of course, the more prepared among us knew this well in advance, having eagerly pored over the Radio Times/TV Times to check that Jimmy Cricket's Family Laugh 'n' Waz would be shown. There it was – right after Reflections On The Eucharist With The Reverend Paul Leyland.
Russ Abbot, Bullseye, Noel Edmonds and a film we all watched in the same room. Christmas TV was more exciting in the 80s...
Cast your mind back to when Christmas Day wasn't about Doctor Who followed by sticking something on Netflix until it was time to go watch the annual fist fight outside the pub.
See related Looking back at Martin Scorsese's The King Of Comedy The Wolf Of Wall Street review The Wolf Of Wall Street & Scorsese's confrontational films
In the 80s, Christmas was about seeing which fantastic fare the TV had decided to bless us with. Of course, the more prepared among us knew this well in advance, having eagerly pored over the Radio Times/TV Times to check that Jimmy Cricket's Family Laugh 'n' Waz would be shown. There it was – right after Reflections On The Eucharist With The Reverend Paul Leyland.
- 12/8/2016
- Den of Geek
Ronnie Corbett Cbe, the British entertainer best known for comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies, died Thursday. He was 85. Ronnie Corbett Dies “Ronnie Corbett Cbe, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” Corbett’s publicist said in a statement, according to the BBC. “They have asked that […]
The post Ronnie Corbett, ‘The Two Ronnies’ Star, Dies At 85 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Ronnie Corbett, ‘The Two Ronnies’ Star, Dies At 85 appeared first on uInterview.
- 3/31/2016
- by Chelsea Regan
- Uinterview
A fixture of British television for over 50 years who was best known for BBC comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies, veteran comedian and actor Ronnie Corbett has died at the age of 85. His publicist said today, “Ronnie Corbett Cbe, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.” The BBC reports he had been in ill health for some time. Corbett was an institution who, along with Ronnie Barker, formed a hugely successful…...
- 3/31/2016
- Deadline TV
Writer David Nobbs has passed away at the age of 80, the British Humanist Association has confirmed.
Nobbs was best known for creating the comic television character Reginald Perrin, played in the BBC series by Leonard Rossiter.
Nobbs created the BBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, which ran between 1976 and 1979, from his series of novels.
The novels follow the story of a middle-aged middle manager, Reginald "Reggie" Perrin, who is driven to bizarre behaviour by the pointlessness of his job.
The Yorkshire-born writer also provided material for The Two Ronnies, Ken Dodd and Frankie Howerd.
Nobbs wrote over 20 novels during a prolific career that spanned nearly 50 years.
Watch a clip from The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin below:...
Nobbs was best known for creating the comic television character Reginald Perrin, played in the BBC series by Leonard Rossiter.
Nobbs created the BBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, which ran between 1976 and 1979, from his series of novels.
The novels follow the story of a middle-aged middle manager, Reginald "Reggie" Perrin, who is driven to bizarre behaviour by the pointlessness of his job.
The Yorkshire-born writer also provided material for The Two Ronnies, Ken Dodd and Frankie Howerd.
Nobbs wrote over 20 novels during a prolific career that spanned nearly 50 years.
Watch a clip from The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin below:...
- 8/9/2015
- Digital Spy
The British public's top ten favourite double acts have been revealed.
Britain's Best Loved Double Acts - a celebration of the UK's favourite pairings - will air tomorrow night (April 12) on Channel 5.
Entertainment and comedy duos - such as Ant & Dec and The Two Ronnies - will feature, plus twosomes from the worlds of music, animation, drama and sport - including Chas and Dave, Zig and Zag, Dick and Dom and Andi Peters and Emma Forbes.
Digital Spy can reveal who has made the top ten - though you'll have to tune in at 7.15pm on Saturday to find out which order they come in, and which duo has claimed the top spot.
The top ten list is as follows...
Tom and Jerry
Wallace and Gromit
Torvill and Dean
Morecambe and Wise
Scott and Charlene
Fry and Laurie
Ant & Dec
The Two Ronnies
French and Saunders
Del Boy and Rodney...
Britain's Best Loved Double Acts - a celebration of the UK's favourite pairings - will air tomorrow night (April 12) on Channel 5.
Entertainment and comedy duos - such as Ant & Dec and The Two Ronnies - will feature, plus twosomes from the worlds of music, animation, drama and sport - including Chas and Dave, Zig and Zag, Dick and Dom and Andi Peters and Emma Forbes.
Digital Spy can reveal who has made the top ten - though you'll have to tune in at 7.15pm on Saturday to find out which order they come in, and which duo has claimed the top spot.
The top ten list is as follows...
Tom and Jerry
Wallace and Gromit
Torvill and Dean
Morecambe and Wise
Scott and Charlene
Fry and Laurie
Ant & Dec
The Two Ronnies
French and Saunders
Del Boy and Rodney...
- 4/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Feature Ryan Lambie 8 May 2013 - 07:00
With their sitcom House Of Fools recently announced, we celebrate the enduring comedy brilliance of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer...
Readers of a certain age may remember the first time they saw Vic and Bob on television. For some, it may have been the 25th of May 1990, the fateful night "Britain's top light entertainer and singer" Vic Reeves burst onto screens with an absurdly fast, lounge-act rendition of The Monkees' I'm A Believer. In the background, his cohort Bob Mortimer looked on admiringly, dressed in the stovepipe hat and vast sideburns of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
For many viewers, this was a first glimpse inside the strange world of a comedy duo who'd already garnered a cult following in London pubs and clubs in the mid-1980s. Having impressed the likes of Jonathan Ross and Alan Yentob with their surreal, apparently semi-improvised comedy, Vic and...
With their sitcom House Of Fools recently announced, we celebrate the enduring comedy brilliance of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer...
Readers of a certain age may remember the first time they saw Vic and Bob on television. For some, it may have been the 25th of May 1990, the fateful night "Britain's top light entertainer and singer" Vic Reeves burst onto screens with an absurdly fast, lounge-act rendition of The Monkees' I'm A Believer. In the background, his cohort Bob Mortimer looked on admiringly, dressed in the stovepipe hat and vast sideburns of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
For many viewers, this was a first glimpse inside the strange world of a comedy duo who'd already garnered a cult following in London pubs and clubs in the mid-1980s. Having impressed the likes of Jonathan Ross and Alan Yentob with their surreal, apparently semi-improvised comedy, Vic and...
- 5/7/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Ronnie Corbett has collected his Cbe from the Queen at an investiture ceremony in Buckingham Palace. The Two Ronnies star was recognised for his services to charity and the entertainment industry in the New Year Honours list. "It's very pretty," the 81-year-old said of his medal. "It's a very lovely honour. I shall treasure it." Describing his brief conversation with the Queen as a "lovely experience", Corbett said: "She told me, 'You make people laugh'. I think she's remarkable for her age." (more)...
- 2/16/2012
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
I had no idea that Elisabeth Sladen was not the first actress cast to play Sarah Jane Smith alongside Jon Pertwee’s Doctor. Apparently not many people knew at all. From Radio Times: How it could have been: nearly 40 years later, the secret of who was originally cast as Doctor Who's Sarah Jane Smith has been revealed. It was April Walker, best known for myriad guest roles in Fawlty Towers, The Two Ronnies and Yes, Minister. ... Doctor Who producer Barry Letts cast Walker when Katy Manning left the role of Jo Grant, the Doctor's previous companion, and she worked in rehearsals for The Time Warrior. But allegedly the pairing of Pertwee's Doctor and Walker's Sarah Jane didn't work: she was a tall and more obviously strong character, along the lines of Pertwee's first companion, Liz Shaw (Caroline John). It's believed that Pertwee was unhappy with the decision but it...
- 1/19/2012
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Ronnie Corbett is to be named in the Queen's New Year's honours list, it has been reported. The Two Ronnies comedian will be recognised for his contribution to showbusiness and charity work, according to The Sun. The 81-year-old is involved in Comic Relief and lifeboat organisation the Rnli as well as other causes. Corbett was awarded an OBE in 1979 alongside on-screen partner Ronnie Barker, (more)...
- 12/30/2011
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Veteran British funnyman Ronnie Corbett is to receive a Commander of the Order of the British Empire medal (Cbe) in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year's Honours list.
The Two Ronnies star will add it to the Order of the British Empire honour (OBE) he received with his comedy partner Ronnie Barker in 1978.
He will be recognised for his contributions to entertainment, as well as his charity work for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Comic Relief, when the awards are officially announced on Saturday.
The annual New Year's Honours list acknowledges the public service of British and Commonwealth citizens in a variety of fields including entertainment, industry and government.
The Two Ronnies star will add it to the Order of the British Empire honour (OBE) he received with his comedy partner Ronnie Barker in 1978.
He will be recognised for his contributions to entertainment, as well as his charity work for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Comic Relief, when the awards are officially announced on Saturday.
The annual New Year's Honours list acknowledges the public service of British and Commonwealth citizens in a variety of fields including entertainment, industry and government.
- 12/30/2011
- WENN
Comedy legend Ronnie Corbett has claimed that he would like a chat with Frankie Boyle about his confrontational style of humour. Corbett said that he wasn't a fan of the Scottish stand-up's brand of caustic comedy, but revealed that he was intrigued by Boyle's motivations. "Oh my gosh. Yes. It's not for me to say, but being outrageous is his territory," Corbett told the Radio Times. "I'd be interested to chat to him to see why he wants to upset people. I don't understand it." He also claimed that comedy was "grosser" today than when The Two Ronnies were on-screen in the '70s and '80s. "We did Donald McGill, seaside-postcard stuff - middle of the road. We knew what mums, dads and children would understand and enjoy without resentment. I don't see the requirement to upset people," (more)...
- 8/1/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Chicago – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are a movie team and British treasures. Acclaimed for their previous teaming in “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” Pegg and Frost both wrote and star in their latest comedy, the space alien farce “Paul.”
Pegg and Frost are long time friends and collaborators, performing together for the first time in 1999 on the British cult TV show “Spaced.” The popular films Shaun (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007) came afterwards, both co-written (with Pegg) and directed by Edgar Wright, who was also behind Spaced. Simon Pegg also does character roles, most notably taking over the Montgomery “Scotty” Scott persona in 2009’s “Star Trek.”
Leading the Geek Army: Simon Pegg (Graeme) and Nick Frost (Clive) in ‘Paul’
Photo credit: Universal Pictures
The film’s title, Paul, refers to the name of an extra terrestrial alien under government care. Pegg and Frost portray fan boys from Britain going...
Pegg and Frost are long time friends and collaborators, performing together for the first time in 1999 on the British cult TV show “Spaced.” The popular films Shaun (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007) came afterwards, both co-written (with Pegg) and directed by Edgar Wright, who was also behind Spaced. Simon Pegg also does character roles, most notably taking over the Montgomery “Scotty” Scott persona in 2009’s “Star Trek.”
Leading the Geek Army: Simon Pegg (Graeme) and Nick Frost (Clive) in ‘Paul’
Photo credit: Universal Pictures
The film’s title, Paul, refers to the name of an extra terrestrial alien under government care. Pegg and Frost portray fan boys from Britain going...
- 3/16/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
You have to be pretty special to make it as an actor with a name as silly as Benedict Cumberbatch. However, with the starring role in the latest BBC hit Sherlock, the 34-year-old is well on his way to putting the Cumberbatch name on the map! But how much do you know about the man helping to refresh the Arthur Conan Doyle detective brand. Keep reading for ten fast facts about TV star Benedict. 1. Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch was born on July 19, 1976 in London. He is the son of fellow actors Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham. 2. You've probably seen Benedict's mum on TV before, but not realised it. Wanda has appeared in shows such as Men Behaving Badly, The Two Ronnies, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and she had a recurring role in Only Fools And Horses as Cassandra's mum Pamela Parry. 3. Cumberbatch has an impressive acting (more)...
- 8/4/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Veteran British funnyman Ronnie Corbett has reportedly received an apology from the BBC after a production boss insulted him over a cancelled TV appearance.
The former The Two Ronnies star was due to appear on the network's The One Show last month but pulled out eight days before filming.
A senior producer on the programme allegedly sent an email to colleagues, branding the 79-year-old comedian a "little c**t" for cancelling.
Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reports the producer later contacted Corbett's agent and emailed an apology to the star.
The former The Two Ronnies star was due to appear on the network's The One Show last month but pulled out eight days before filming.
A senior producer on the programme allegedly sent an email to colleagues, branding the 79-year-old comedian a "little c**t" for cancelling.
Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reports the producer later contacted Corbett's agent and emailed an apology to the star.
- 1/13/2010
- WENN
Friday March 13th is Comic Relief Day - and the obligatory Doctor Who cross-over sees the cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures appearing in a charity short with British comedy actor Ronnie Corbett (The Two Ronnies, Sorry) on the BBC One evening of fundraising comedy mayhem. Written by Gareth Roberts and former Dwm editor Clayton Hickman, the skit will star Elisabeth Sladen, Tommy Knight, Daniel Anthony and Anjli Mohindra alongside Corbett and will be filmed in advance of a third series which...
- 2/14/2009
- by Christian Cawley info@kasterborous.com
- Kasterborous.com
LONDON -- Comedian Ronnie Barker, half of the famous duo in television's The Two Ronnies and the indomitable Fletch in prison sitcom Porridge, has died. He was 76. The portly star died peacefully on Monday in the presence of his wife after a history of heart trouble. Tributes poured in for one of the United Kingdom's best-loved comics. Michael Hurll, a producer on The Two Ronnies, said Barker's partnership with the diminutive Ronnie Corbett ranked alongside that of British comic duo Morecambe and Wise in importance. Barker's feature roles included Churchill's butler in The Gathering Storm starring Albert Finney, the General in My House in Umbria starring Maggie Smith, and Friar Tuck in Robin and Marian starring Sean Connery.
- 10/5/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Comedian Ronnie Barker, half of the famous duo in television's The Two Ronnies and the indomitable Fletch in prison sitcom Porridge, has died. He was 76. The portly star died peacefully on Monday in the presence of his wife after a history of heart trouble. Tributes poured in for one of the United Kingdom's best-loved comics. Michael Hurll, a producer on The Two Ronnies, said Barker's partnership with the diminutive Ronnie Corbett ranked alongside that of British comic duo Morecambe and Wise in importance. Barker's feature roles included Churchill's butler in The Gathering Storm starring Albert Finney, the General in My House in Umbria starring Maggie Smith, and Friar Tuck in Robin and Marian starring Sean Connery.
- 10/4/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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