He Died 40 Years Ago, Now Harry Corbett’s Daughter Confirms the Rumours

Summary

Harry H Corbett, best known for his iconic role as Harold Steptoe, faced typecasting and the pressures of fame that affected his personal life and health. His daughter, Susanna Corbett, shares insights into his complex life, dispelling myths and highlighting his love for family and the joy he brought to millions as Steptoe. She also addresses the controversy surrounding the BBC bio, 'The Curse of Steptoe,' revealing a more nuanced view of her father's feelings towards his most famous role.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harry H Corbett was known for his iconic role as Harold Steptoe in the British comedy series 'Steptoe and Son'.
• 🌟 Despite being typecast, Corbett had a varied career, performing in stage plays and other roles outside of his famous sitcom persona.
• 👶 Born in Rangoon, Burma, Harry was sent to England at a young age after his mother's death and grew up in Manchester.
• 🎓 He had a humble beginning, attending a secondary school instead of the grammar school he was accepted to due to financial constraints.
• 🌊 World War II had a profound impact on Corbett, serving in the Royal Marines and experiencing combat, which later influenced his acting.
• 🎭 Corbett's acting career began at Charlton Repertory Theater and later at Joan Littlewood's Theater Workshop, where he honed his skills.
• 🔍 The 1962 BBC comedy show 'The Offer' was the breakthrough that led to the creation of 'Steptoe and Son', showcasing Corbett's talent.
• 🏆 'Steptoe and Son' was immensely popular, regularly attracting over 20 million viewers and reflecting the social changes of the time.
• 💔 Corbett faced personal challenges, including a divorce, typecasting, and health issues, which affected his personal life and career.
• 🍻 Fame brought financial security but also pressures that led Corbett to alcohol as a coping mechanism, impacting his health.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Corbett was a loving father to his two children, Susanna and Jonathan, and prioritized family life despite his demanding career.
• 📚 Susanna Corbett, Harry's daughter, felt the need to correct public misconceptions about her father, aiming to provide an accurate account of his life and legacy.

Q & A

What was Harry H Corbett's experience during World War II?

Harry H Corbett enlisted in the Royal Marines and served in the home Fleet aboard the Heavy Cruiser HMS Devire. He experienced hand-to-hand combat in New Guinea, which later influenced his acting abilities.

How did Harry H Corbett's life change after the war?

After the war, Harry briefly stayed in Australia before returning to England. He initially trained as a radiographer but ultimately pursued acting, starting at Charlton Reparatory Theater and later joining Joan Littlewood's Theater Workshop.

What was the significance of the middle initial 'H' in Harry H Corbett's name?

Harry added the middle initial 'H' to his name to distinguish himself from the popular children's entertainer Harry Corbett, known for his puppet Sui.

How did Harry H Corbett's breakthrough role come about?

Harry's breakthrough came in 1962 when he was cast in a one-off BBC comedy show called 'The Offer,' written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. His portrayal of Harold Steptoe caught the attention of BBC executives.

What was the impact of 'Steptoe and Son' on Harry H Corbett's career?

The show 'Steptoe and Son' catapulted Harry into the spotlight with audiences of over 20 million viewers, making his portrayal of Harold Steptoe iconic and capturing the imagination of a nation on the cusp of social change.

How did Harry H Corbett's personal life influence his acting?

Corbett's personal life, marked by joy and turbulence, influenced his acting abilities. His experiences of family life, including being a father, added depth to his performances.

What challenges did Harry H Corbett face due to being typecast?

Being typecast as Harold Steptoe limited Harry's opportunities to showcase his full range as an actor. He faced skepticism when attempting to break away from his sitcom persona.

How did Harry H Corbett cope with the pressures of fame?

The pressures of fame led Harry to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. He also suffered from health issues, including a heart attack, which served as a wake-up call to reassess his priorities.

What were some misconceptions about Harry H Corbett that his daughter Susanna aimed to debunk?

Susanna aimed to debunk myths about her father's supposed hatred for 'Steptoe and Son' and his alleged feud with co-star Wilfred Bramble. She sought to provide an accurate account of his life and career.

What was the impact of the BBC bio 'The Curse of Steptoe' on Harry H Corbett's legacy?

The BBC bio 'The Curse of Steptoe' sparked controversy for its portrayal of Harry Corbett as bitter and trapped in a toxic relationship with his co-star. This depiction upset Susanna and the Corbett family.

How did Harry H Corbett's daughter Susanna contribute to his legacy?

Susanna Corbett wrote her father's biography to set the record straight about his life and career. She aimed to honor his memory and provide a more nuanced understanding of his feelings towards 'Steptoe and Son'.