A Burmese-English actor who starred in the popular British sitcom "Steptoe and Son," playing the lovable but dirty rag-and-bone man Harold Steptoe. He brought laughter and joy to many with his iconic character.
Harry H. Corbett, a celebrated English actor and comedian, is best remembered for his iconic role as Harold Steptoe in the long-running BBC television sitcom Steptoe and Son (1962-1965, 1970-1974). This lovable rag-and-bone man charmed audiences with his wit, humor, and endearing on-screen presence.
Born on February 28, 1925, in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar), Corbett was the youngest of seven children. His father, George Corbett, served as a company quartermaster sergeant in the South Staffordshire Regiment of the British Army. After his mother, Caroline Emily, passed away when he was just 18 months old, Corbett was sent to Britain and raised by his aunt, Annie Williams, in Manchester.
Corbett attended Ross Place and Benchill Primary Schools, and although he passed the scholarship exam for entry to Chorlton Grammar School, he couldn't take up his place there. Instead, he attended Sharston Secondary School. During World War II, he enlisted in the Royal Marines and served in the Home Fleet on the heavy cruiser HMS Devonshire.
After the war, Corbett trained as a radiographer before pursuing a career in acting. He joined the Croydon Repertory Theatre and began performing in various stage productions. His breakthrough role came when he was cast as Harold Steptoe in Steptoe and Son, a sitcom that followed the lives of a father-and-son rag-and-bone business. The show's massive success led to appearances in comedy films, including The Bargee (1964), Carry On Screaming (1966), and Jabberwocky (1977).
Corbett's outstanding performance in Steptoe and Son earned him a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actor in 1964. He also won the 1967 ITV Awards' Best Actor award for his portrayal of Harold Steptoe.
Corbett's military service left him with a damaged bladder and a red mark on his eye, which was not treated until late in his life. He passed away on March 21, 1982, at the age of 57. Despite his untimely death, Corbett's legacy lives on through his beloved character, Harold Steptoe, and the countless laughs he brought to audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Harry H. Corbett's remarkable talent, lovable on-screen presence, and iconic character, Harold Steptoe, have cemented his place in the hearts of audiences for generations to come.
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