Trivia

Although a Londoner, his last wish was to be buried in the graveyard of St John's Church, Holmfirth, Yorkshire - filming location for the long-running sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine (1973), in which he played "Compo". His friend and fellow Last of the Summer Wine (1973) actor, Peter Sallis, chose to be buried in the adjacent grave following his death in 2017.

Wrote songs for singers including British pop star Cliff Richard.

Peter Rogers wanted him as a Carry on regular but he declined in order to be able to do theatre which included Ko-ko in 'The Mikado' at Sadlers Wells, the lead in 'Luther' at the Phoenix.and worked under Lindsay Anderson at the Royal Court.

Father of actor Tom Owen

He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1977 Queen's New Year Honours List for his steadfast work for the National Association of Boys Clubs and for his role as chairman of the Performing Arts Advising Panel.

Made his first film, 'The Way to the Stars' under his real name of Bill Rowbotham.

He was a founding member of Keep Sunday Special, a group which campaigned against Sunday trading.

At the time he died, he was filming The Last of the Summer Wine millennium special 'Last Pigeon and Post'.

He had a stepdaughter, Kathleen, from his second marriage.

In 1966 he wrote the West End musical 'The Match Girls'.

A strong supporter of the Labour Party and socialism, he wrote a number of political plays and revues, including "Babes in the Wood" and "What's Left?"

At one time he was a manager of one of the Warner Holiday camps.

His performance as a demobbed spiv in 'Dancing With Crime' landed him with a Rank contract.

Appeared on stage in the play 'The Square Ring' and repeated his role in the film of the same name as did George Rose, Bill Travers, and Ronald Lewis.

Appeared on the New York stage with Katharine Hepburn in "As You Like It".

He starred in a radio play of "Alfie" before it was turned into a film.

His part was cut from The Astonished Heart.

Started acting at 18,.