Creator of the beloved puppet character Sooty, entertaining children with his clever tricks and antics on British television for decades.
Harry Corbett is best known for creating the iconic glove puppet character, Sooty, in 1952. This beloved character went on to become a household name, entertaining children and families alike on television and stage shows.
Born on January 28, 1918, in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, Harry Corbett grew up in a family of modest means. His father, James W. Corbett, was a coal miner, and his mother, Florence, managed a fish and chip business. Harry's early interest in music led him to play the piano, but his deafness in one ear prevented him from pursuing a career as a concert pianist.
Before venturing into show business, Harry worked as an engineer with Leeds City Council. It was during a family holiday in Blackpool in 1948 that he stumbled upon the original Sooty puppet in a novelty shop, which he purchased for 7s 6d (equivalent to 37p today).
Corbett's initial intention was to entertain his children, David and Peter, with the puppet. However, Sooty's charm soon won over the hearts of many, and the character began to appear on television shows. The first appearance of Sooty was on the BBC TV show, Talent Night, in 1952.
Sooty's popularity led to the BBC offering Corbett six programs at 12 guineas each. This marked the beginning of The Sooty Show, which would go on to become a beloved institution in British television.
Harry Corbett's contributions to the world of entertainment were recognized with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1976.
Corbett married Marjorie Tobes Hodgson in 1944, and they had two sons, David and Peter. Peter, also known as Matthew Corbett, followed in his father's footsteps and became a television presenter.
Harry Corbett's creation, Sooty, continues to delight audiences to this day. The character has undergone several transformations and has been presented by various performers over the years. However, Corbett's legacy remains unrivaled, and his impact on the world of children's entertainment is still celebrated.
Corbett passed away on August 17, 1989, but Sooty's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of his creation and the joy it has brought to generations of children.
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