Person
Bill Owen
Acton, London, England, UK
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…
IMDbKnown for
Popular titles
Biography
A closer look
Read full biography
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
Movies and shows, newest first
-
2022
Last Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years Of Laughs
Movie Self (archive)
-
2005
The Funny Blokes of British Comedy
Movie Compo Simmonite (archive footage) (uncredited)
-
1998
What's a Carry On?
Movie Corporal Bill Copping / Perc Hickson / Mike Weston (archive footage) (uncredited)
-
1996
Smillie's People
TV show Self
-
1993
The Entertainer
Movie Billy Rice
-
1991
Noel's House Party
TV show Compo
-
1991
Performance
TV show Billy Rice
-
1987
Last of the Summer Wine: Big Day at Dream Acres
Movie Compo
-
1986
Last of the Summer Wine: Uncle of the Bride
Movie Compo
-
1984
Royal Variety Performance 1984
Movie Compo
-
1984
Laughterhouse
Movie Amos
-
1983
Last of the Summer Wine: Getting Sam Home
Movie Compo Simmonite
-
1982
The Funny Side of Christmas
Movie Compo
-
1982
The Kids International Show
TV show Compo
-
1979
Tales of the Unexpected
TV show Meakins
-
1979
Blankety Blank
TV show
More credits
- 1978
-
1978
The Comeback
Movie Mr. B
-
1977
That's Carry On!
Movie Corporal Bill Copping (archive footage) (uncredited)
-
1977
The Val Doonican Music Show
TV show Self
-
1975
Angels
TV show
-
1975
In Celebration
Movie Mr. Shaw
-
1973
Away from It All
TV show Robert
-
1973
O Lucky Man!
Movie Supt. Barlow / Insp. Carding
-
1973
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
TV show George Chambers
-
1973
Last of the Summer Wine
TV show Compo (archive footage)
-
1972
Late Night Theatre
TV show William
-
1972
Shirley's World
TV show
-
1971
Coppers End
TV show Sgt. Sam Short
-
1970
Unfair!
Movie Worker
-
1970
Catweazle
TV show Pickle
-
1969
Mischief
Movie
-
1969
ITV Saturday Night Theatre
TV show Mr. Hanley
-
1968
Treasure Island
TV show Billy Bones
-
1968
Headline Hunters
Movie
-
1968
Cilla
TV show Self
-
1967
Man in a Suitcase
TV show
-
1967
ITV Playhouse
TV show Mr Milner
-
1967
Half Hour Story
TV show R.J.Smellies
-
1966
The Fighting Prince of Donegal
Movie Officer Powell
