Acting
Bill Owen
British born actor known for playing working class characters on film and TV. Born William Rowbotham, the son of a tram driver and laundress, he started playing drums in London nightclubs and toured music halls with his own cabaret act to pay for acting classes. He entertained at Butlin's holiday camps and performed in repertory, joining the Unity Theatre where he attained respect as a stage producer. His career was interrupted by military service with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps where he was injured in an explosion during a battle training course. Returning to acting, he started making a name for himself in such films as Johnny in the Clouds (1945), When the Bough Breaks (1947), Maniacs on Wheels (1949), and The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952). He continued to perform in the theatre limelight and peaked in roles with Katharine Hepburn in "As You Like It" in 1950, and with "The Threepenny Opera" and "The Mikado", which made use of his musical talents. A writer at heart, he penned songs, musicals and plays over the years. Partnered with Mike Sammes, he wrote songs recorded by Pat Boone, Harry Secombe, Engelbert Humperdinck and Sir Cliff Richard, who had a hit with his 1980 song "Marianne". In the 60s he produced the stage musical, "The Matchgirl", and focused heavily on film slapstick with the 'Carry On' series. TV stardom came late, in the role of Compo in the BBC's 1973 series "Last of the Summer Wine". When he died of pancreatic cancer in 1999, he asked to be buried in the Yorkshire village of Holmfirth, where the TV series was filmed. Owen was awarded the MBE in 1976 for his steadfast work for the National Association of Boys Clubs and for his role as chairman of the Performing Arts Advising Panel.
Filmography
Last Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years Of Laughs
Film · 2022
The Funny Blokes of British Comedy
Film · 2005
What's a Carry On?
Film · 1998
Smillie's People
Series · 1996
The Entertainer
Film · 1993
Performance
Series · 1991
Noel's House Party
Series · 1991
Last of the Summer Wine: Big Day at Dream Acres
Film · 1987
Last of the Summer Wine: Uncle of the Bride
Film · 1986
Laughterhouse
Film · 1984
Royal Variety Performance 1984
Film · 1984
Last of the Summer Wine: Getting Sam Home
Film · 1983
The Funny Side of Christmas
Film · 1982
The Kids International Show
Series · 1982
Tales of the Unexpected
Series · 1979
Blankety Blank
Series · 1979
The Comeback
Film · 1978
Last of the Summer Wine Christmas Specials 1978-1982
Film · 1978
That's Carry On!
Film · 1977
The Val Doonican Music Show
Series · 1977
In Celebration
Film · 1975
Angels
Series · 1975
O Lucky Man!
Film · 1973
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
Series · 1973
Last of the Summer Wine
Series · 1973
Last of the Summer Wine
Series · 1973
Away from It All
Series · 1973
Shirley's World
Series · 1972
Late Night Theatre
Series · 1972
Coppers End
Series · 1971
Unfair!
Film · 1970
Catweazle
Series · 1970
Mischief
Film · 1969
ITV Saturday Night Theatre
Series · 1969
Headline Hunters
Film · 1968
Cilla
Series · 1968
Treasure Island
Series · 1968
Man in a Suitcase
Series · 1967
ITV Playhouse
Series · 1967
Half Hour Story
Series · 1967
Georgy Girl
Film · 1966
The Fighting Prince of Donegal
Film · 1966
Thirty-Minute Theatre
Series · 1965
The Secret of Blood Island
Film · 1964
Kiss Me, Kate
Film · 1964
The Last Word on Julie
Film · 1964
Carry On Cabby
Film · 1963
Taxi!
Series · 1963
Carry On Regardless
Film · 1961
The Hellfire Club
Film · 1961
On the Fiddle
Film · 1961
Drama 61-67
Series · 1961
The Shakedown
Film · 1960
Carry On Nurse
Film · 1959
Carry On Sergeant
Film · 1958
Carve Her Name with Pride
Film · 1958
Davy
Film · 1958
Not So Dusty
Film · 1956
The Buccaneers
Series · 1956
Armchair Theatre
Series · 1956
The Ship That Died of Shame
Film · 1955
This Is Your Life
Series · 1955
The Rainbow Jacket
Film · 1954
The Square Ring
Film · 1953
A Day to Remember
Film · 1953
There Was a Young Lady
Film · 1953
The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men
Film · 1952
Hotel Sahara
Film · 1951
Sherlock Holmes
Series · 1951
The Girl Who Couldn't Quite
Film · 1950
Diamond City
Film · 1949
Once a Jolly Swagman
Film · 1949
Trottie True
Film · 1949
Daybreak
Film · 1948
My Brother's Keeper
Film · 1948
Easy Money
Film · 1948
Trouble in the Air
Film · 1948
The Weaker Sex
Film · 1948
Dancing with Crime
Film · 1947
When The Bough Breaks
Film · 1947
School for Secrets
Film · 1946
The Way to the Stars
Film · 1945
A City Reborn
Film · 1945
Breathing Space
Film · 1943
Tank Patrol
Film · 1941