For decades, a small man with a big presence and a gentle, self-deprecating style sat at the heart of British comedy. Ronnie Corbett, the Scottish comedian, actor, and writer, became a beloved national figure through his work, most famously as one half of the legendary duo, The Two Ronnies. His career, which spanned more than five decades, left an indelible mark on television history.
To understand the man behind the laughter, one must look at his personal history, his unique physical attributes, and the deep bonds he formed, both on and off the screen. This biography delves into the life of Ronald Balfour Corbett, exploring the details that made him a comedy giant.
Who Was Ronnie Corbett? A Biography of the Comedian
Ronald Balfour Corbett was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on December 4, 1930. Before finding his calling in comedy, he worked various jobs and served in the Royal Air Force, where he was reportedly the shortest commissioned officer in the British forces. His early life in Scotland shaped his character, but it was in London that he began to build his career in acting and revue theatre.
Key Insights
- Despite his short stature (5’1″), Corbett was a giant in British comedy, using his height as a comedic tool.
- His partnership with Ronnie Barker was one of the most successful duos in BBC history, running from 1971 to 1987.
- His comedy was distinguished by a light-hearted, linguistic style, different from the alternative comedy movement of the 1980s.
- Corbett was known for a genuine warmth and charm that connected with audiences, making him a “national treasure.”
- He remained a familiar presence on British television for more than five decades.
- His career included roles in film, such as the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale.
Snapshot Facts: Ronnie Corbett
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald Balfour Corbett |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Spouse | Anne Hart (m. 1965–2016) |
| Children | 2 daughters (Emma and Sophie); one son, Andrew, died in infancy |
| Cause of Death | Diagnosed with motor neurone disease; died of related health complications |
| Best Known For | The Two Ronnies |
The Two Ronnies: The Partnership with Ronnie Barker
The professional relationship between Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker is one of the most celebrated in British television history. The pair first worked together on the BBC show The Frost Report in the 1960s. Their chemistry was immediately apparent, leading the BBC to give them their own show, The Two Ronnies, which first aired in 1971.
The show became a massive institution, running for 16 years. It was famous for its mix of clever wordplay, sketches, musical numbers, and the iconic “news” segment where the duo would sit in armchairs and joke with each other. Sources describe Corbett’s role as the perfect foil to Barker’s more dominant and character-driven comedy. Corbett often performed solo monologues, famously sitting in a large armchair, which made his small stature even more pronounced and endearing.
The success of The Two Ronnies rested on a balance of talents. Barker was often the writer and the more versatile character actor, while Corbett brought a unique charm and a skill for delivering intricate, sometimes nonsensical, monologues. Their relationship was professional and reportedly cordial, without the intense public rivalry or personal closeness of some other famous duos.
Ronnie Corbett’s Height and Physical Appearance
Ronnie Corbett’s height is one of the most frequently asked questions about him. Most reliable sources, including his Wikipedia page and major obituaries, state his height as about 5 ft 1 in (approximately 155 cm). Some sources offer slightly different figures, such as 5 ft 1.5 in or simply 5 ft, but the consensus points to the 5’1″ measurement. This physical characteristic became an inseparable part of his comedic identity.
He did not hide his stature; instead, he leaned into it. His monologues, often delivered from a high bar stool or an oversized armchair, were filled with jokes about his size. This self-deprecating humor created an immediate intimacy with the audience. Obituaries in The Guardian and The Telegraph noted that his height was a defining part of his persona, a fact he used to brilliant comic effect.
When Did Ronnie Corbett Die and What Was the Cause?
Ronnie Corbett passed away on 31 March 2016 at the age of 85. He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease the previous year. At the time of his death, reports stated he was surrounded by his family at a hospital in Shirley, London, though some sources simply note the family statement without confirming the exact location.
His death was a moment of significant public mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the entertainment and political worlds. The BBC News archive and Wikipedia both provide extensive coverage of the announcement and the subsequent tributes that celebrated his life and work.
While some online sources simplify his cause of death to “old age” or “heart problems,” the established medical cause was motor neurone disease. This neurodegenerative condition was confirmed in the year before his death and was the underlying cause reported by his family and official obituaries.
Ronnie Corbett’s Family: Wife and Children
Ronnie Corbett was married to actress and singer Anne Hart in 1965. Their marriage lasted until his death in 2016, a testament to a stable and private family life away from the showbiz spotlight. Anne Hart was a well-known performer in her own right before they married.
The couple had two daughters, Emma and Sophie. Most biographical sources confirm these two children. One source, the STV news archive, also notes the family history included a son, Andrew, who unfortunately died in infancy. This detail is not universally reported but is present in some records of his life.
Ronnie Corbett Movies and TV Shows
While his legacy is firmly tied to The Two Ronnies, Corbett’s career included a range of other television and film work. He appeared in early films such as Casino Royale (1967). His television credits are extensive, including guest appearances on many classic shows throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
A comprehensive list of his credits can be found on his IMDb page. Beyond The Two Ronnies, he hosted his own game show, Small Talk, and starred in a sitcom titled Sorry! from 1981 to 1988. His filmography demonstrates his ability to move between sketch comedy and more traditional sitcom roles.
Timeline of Ronnie Corbett’s Life
- 1930: Born on December 4 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- 1950s: Started his career in London theaters and revues, moving from acting to comedy.
- 1971: The Two Ronnies first aired on the BBC, becoming an instant success.
- 1981–1988: Starred in the sitcom Sorry!.
- 1987: The Two Ronnies ended its regular series run, though the duo would reunite for specials.
- 1990s–2000s: Continued to make television appearances and specials, cementing his status as a legend.
- 2016: Died on March 31, aged 85, after a battle with motor neurone disease.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Ronnie Corbett died on March 31, 2016. | The specific details of his “last photo” are not standard; the last known public photo is generally from a 2014/2015 appearance, but no single image is universally agreed upon. |
| He was 5’1″ tall. | The exact cause of death is sometimes simplified to “old age,” but it was specifically motor neurone disease. |
| He was married to Anne Hart from 1965. | The precise location of his passing (Shirley, London) is mentioned in some reports but not all family statements. |
The Legacy of a Comedy Legend
Ronnie Corbett remains a definitive figure in British comedy. His work on The Two Ronnies highlights a style of light-hearted, linguistic humor that stood apart from the alternative comedy of the 1980s. His physicality, particularly his height, became a trademark, used self-deprecatingly to create a powerful rapport with the audience.
He was more than just a comedian; he was a performer who understood timing, character, and the power of a gentle joke. His legacy is that of a professional who brought joy to millions, a true national treasure whose work continues to be rediscovered and cherished by new generations of fans, alongside other classic British entertainers like Joe Pasquale – Biography, Age, Wife, and Career Facts and Annette Crosbie – Biography, Age, Husband, Net Worth & Family Life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ronnie Corbett
Did Ronnie Corbett have a son?
Yes, according to some records, he and his wife had a son named Andrew who died in infancy. He is survived by his two daughters, Emma and Sophie.
Are Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett related?
No, they were not related. They were a professional comedy duo who shared a surname but no family connection.
Did Ronnie Corbett appear in any movies recently?
His last major film appearance was in ‘Casino Royale’ (1967). He focused mainly on television for the rest of his career.
What was Ronnie Corbett’s last photo?
His last publicly known photos are generally from charity events and TV appearances around 2014 and 2015, though there is no single published photo designated as his official “last.”
What was the cause of Ronnie Corbett’s death?
He died from complications related to motor neurone disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2015.
Jonathan Whitfield is Editor-in-Chief at readingwire.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. He writes occasional leader columns and major news stories.