Roy Clarke
Roy Clarke | |
|---|---|
| Clarke in 2010. Clarke in 2010. | |
| Occupation | Scriptwriter |
| Nationality | British |
| Period | 1968–present |
| Genre | Television |
| Subject | Sitcom, comedy |
| Notable works | The Misfit (1970–71) Last of the Summer Wine (1973–2010) The Growing Pains Of PC Penrose (1975) Open All Hours (1973, 1976–85) Rosie (1977–81) Potter (1979–83) The Magnificent Evans (1984) Mann's Best Friends (1985) First of the Summer Wine (1988–89) Keeping Up Appearances (1990–95) Ain't Misbehavin' (1994–95) |
Roy Clarke OBE (born 28 January 1930 in Austerfield, Yorkshire) is an English comedy writer.
Clarke is best known for creating Last of the Summer Wine, which featured during its long run Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Brian Wilde, Kathy Staff and Dame Thora Hird in leading roles. He also wrote its prequel: First of the Summer Wine. He has also written The Misfit, starring Ronald Fraser; Open All Hours, starring Ronnie Barker and David Jason; Keeping Up Appearances, starring Patricia Routledge; and Ain't Misbehavin. Clarke has also worked in film, and wrote the acclaimed drama A Foreign Field (1993). At its peak, Last of the Summer Wine had over 22 million viewers. He also created the sitcom Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt! in 1974, writing the pilot episode, though Alan Plater wrote the eventual series.
In 2003, Clarke adapted his Last of the Summer Wine chronicle The Moonbather for a world premiere performance at the Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club.[2]
He received an OBE for his contribution to British comedy, and acquired the motto "Esse Quam Videri". In 1994, Clarke was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Doncaster; the highest honour the Council can bestow.
He was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the 2010 British Comedy Awards.
Roy Clarke also owns Horton Rounds in the village of Horton, Northamptonshire and was the first village resident to install a telephone capable of making external calls.[citation needed]
Personal life
He currently resides in rural Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire.[3]
References
- ^ Researcha
- ^ "Little Theatre Club Chronology". Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club. Retrieved 2007-07-23.
- ^ Researcha
External links
- Roy Clarke at IMDb
Template:Keeping Up Appearances
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