Quintessential Comedy | Devoted to British Comedy

It’s sad to have to relate one, never mind two sad deaths. Ken Campbell - influential playwright, director, comedian, actor and science fiction fan with more than a couple of awards under his belt - passed away on Sunday August 31st, aged 66.

He was probably best known for his role in In Sickness and in Health where he played Alf Garnett’s neighbour, as well as popping up in serious and comedy roles. His timing was legendary, and he stole the show in the Fawlty Towers episode Wedding Anniversary in 1979 - the only time any of the guest actors made such an impact. Campbell also appeared in Cleese’s A Fish Called Wanda.

Campbell founded the Ken Campbell Roadshow in the 1970s, a touring comedy improv outfit which featured Bob Hoskins and Sylvester McCoy; he was also considered for the role of Doctor Who in 1987, when the role eventually went to McCoy.

Nicki Stoddart, one of Campbell’s representatives at United Artists, said his death was

“totally shocking and extraordinarily sudden… Ken was a one-off. He was a delight, such a bright and intelligent man. We represented him for many years and never ceased to by amazed by his imagination, exuberance and intelligence. Watching him work with young people was a joy. He will be greatly missed and we send our love and condolences to his family.”

Michael Coveney provided Campbell’s obituary to the Guardian, and described him as

“one of the most original and unclassifiable talents in the British theatre of the past half-century … a writer, director and monologist, a genius at producing shows on a shoestring and honing the improvisational capabilities of the actors who were brave enough to work with him.”