Ken Goodwin (comedian)
| Ken Goodwin | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | William Kenneth Unwin[1] |
| Born |
7 April 1933 Manchester, Lancashire, England |
| Died | Rhos-on-Sea, Wales |
| Medium | Stand-up comedy |
| Influences | George Formby |
| Spouse |
Pat Earith (m. 1956–1977, her death) Vicki Lane (m. ? - 2012 his death) |
| Children | 2 (first marriage) |
| Notable works and roles | The Comedians |
Ken Goodwin (7 April 1933 – 18 February 2012) was an English comedian best known for his performances on the ITV Televisions show The Comedians.[2]
Early life
He was born William Kenneth Unwin in Manchester, Lancashire. His father was a stoker. While he was still a child, his mother walked out on the family – an experience he blamed for his insecurity and shyness. His father died from cancer when Unwin was 15.[3]
Career
Goodwin was a great fan of George Formby. He did various jobs and started performing in working men's clubs, telling jokes and playing the ukulele. He then performed on the Royal Variety Show in 1971 and in a summer season at the London Palladium, before his television break on Opportunity Knocks followed by The Comedians. He also appeared on BBC TVs The Good Old Days.[4]
He was famous for his giggle and catchphrase, "settle down now" which he used a lot on The Comedians.
Marriages
Ken married his first wife, Pat Earith in 1956 she fell ill in 1974 Ken abandoned his career to care for her until her death in 1977 they were married for 21 years. His second marriage was to singer and dancer Vicki Lane until his death in 2012.[5]
Death
He died on 18 February 2012 of Alzheimer's disease in a home in Rhos-on-Sea, North Wales having lived in nearby Llandudno since his retirement.[6]
References
- ↑ Ken Goodwin obituary. The Guardian
- ↑ Jamieson, Teddy (2004) "The Last Laugh", Glasgow Herald, 15 May 2004, p. 20
- ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/feb/29/ken-goodwin
- ↑ Eddie Pedder (1985). Who's Who on Television, 3rd Edition. Michael Joseph. ISBN 0-907965-31-8.
- ↑ http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Rags-riches-comedian-gentle-touch/story-15392643-detail/story.html
- ↑ Phillips, Judith (23 February 2012). "Comedians Ken Goodwin dies at Rhos-on-Sea nursing home". North Wales Weekly News. Retrieved 23 February 2012.