Bobby Knutt
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2017) |
Bobby Knutt | |
---|---|
Eddie Dawson from the comedy TV series Benidorm | |
Born | Robert Andrew Wass 25 November 1945 Sheffield, England |
Died | 25 September 2017 France | (aged 71)
Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian |
Years active | 1961–2017 |
Television | Coronation Street (1980–1983) Emmerdale (1995–1997, 2004) Benidorm (2007–2018) |
Spouse | |
Children | 4 |
Robert Andrew Wass (25 November 1945 – 25 September 2017), known professionally as Bobby Knutt, was an English actor and comedian. He was known throughout his acting career for appearing as
He was married to athlete Donna Hartley from 1986 until her death in 2013. He died on 25 September 2017 while holidaying in Southern France. His last appearance was in the tenth series of Benidorm; this was the last episode of that programme.
Early life
Knutt was born in Sheffield. After passing the eleven-plus in 1957, he attended Abbeydale Grammar School in Sheffield. Still at school, he began to perform as a singer in a group called Bob Andrews and the Questors in 1961, switching to another group, the Whirlwinds, in 1963, and in 1964 formed a comedy double act called Pee and Knutt.
Career
In 1965 under the stage name of Bobby Knutt he went solo, performing as one of the youngest pro comedians in the country.
He was first known nationally for his performances on the Granada Television show The Comedians and The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club. He was cast in the lead role in the BBC's The Price of Coal (1977) directed by Ken Loach, allowing him to move beyond stand-up comedy. He acted in many British television comedies and dramas including Last of the Summer Wine,[1] Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, All Creatures Great & Small, Our Friends in the North.
Knutt made two appearances in the
Notably, he starred in soap operas:
He had regular roles in fourteen pantomimes at
Personal life
Knutt was married to athlete Donna Hartley-Wass,[1] a bronze medallist track-runner in the 1980 Olympic Games (4 × 400 m relay), from 20 January 1986 until her death in 2013. On his 25th wedding anniversary he was quoted as saying: "I wish I'd married my third wife first".[2]
Death
On 25 September 2017, while still on holiday in the south of France, Knutt suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital, where he died aged 71.[3]
References
- ^ a b Sean Morrison (25 September 2017). "Benidorm and Emmerdale star Bobby Knutt dies aged 71". Evening Standard. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
- ^ Benidorm star Bobby Knutt snubs his children in £350,000 will
- ^ "Bobby Knutt: Benidorm and Emmerdale actor dies on holiday". BBC News. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
External links
- Bobby Knutt at IMDb