Bob Monkhouse Jokes Hide A Darker Truth
Bob Monkhouse (June 1, 1928 - December 29, 2003) was a British comedian, actor, and television presenter who became one of the United Kingdom's best-known entertainers through a 55-year career spanning radio, film, and television. He hosted iconic game shows including Family Fortunes, Celebrity Squares, and The Golden Shot, while also writing over 650 radio and television programmes with partner Denis Goodwin and earning an OBE in 1993 for his contributions to entertainment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Robert Alan Monkhouse was born in Beckenham, London on June 1, 1928, and educated at Dulwich College where he developed his comedy talent by illustrating strip cartoons for children's comics by age 12. After leaving school, he worked as a cartoon film animator before trying journalism, magazine editing, novel writing, songwriting, and commercial art before serving as a corporal in the RAF during National Service.
His broadcasting career began on radio in 1947 with the BBC's Gang Show series, followed by his television debut in 1948 on the corporation's talent showcase New To You. He became the first comedian signed to an exclusive BBC contract, appearing regularly on radio programmes like Variety Bandbox and Workers' Playtime, and television shows including Rooftop Rendezvous and Variety Parade.
Writing Partnership and Early Television Success
With long-term writing partner Denis Goodwin, Monkhouse scripted more than 650 radio and television programmes over ten years, advertising their talents with the tagline "Accuracy is our motto - we never make misteaks" [sic]. In 1954, they wrote and starred together in the BBC sketch series Fast And Loose and both wrote and starred in the sitcom My Pal Bob.
Their partnership ended in 1962 when Goodwin was offered work in the USA as a member of Bob Hope's writing team, after which Monkhouse became even more popular as a solo performer. He appeared in comedy sketch and standup performance shows for ITV including The Bob Monkhouse Comedy Hour, I'm Bob, He's Dickie, and ITC's Bonkers!.
Game Show Host Dominance
Monkhouse became British television's most prolific and durable quiz- and game-show host with stints on Do You Trust Your Wife?, For Love Or Money, The Golden Shot, Quick On The Draw, Bob's Full House, $64,000 Question, Bob's Your Uncle, Gagtag, and Monkhouse's Memory Masters. His most memorable hosting roles included Celebrity Squares (1975-1980), Family Fortunes (1980-1983), and Wipeout.
He also hosted Val Parnell's Saturday Night At The London Palladium, Candid Camera, Mad Movies, and Bob Says Opportunity Knocks, establishing himself as the king of primetime comedy for multiple generations.
Acting Career and Film Appearances
Monkhouse was an accomplished comic actor appearing in films such as Carry On Sergeant (1958), Dentist In The Chair (1960), Dentist On The Job (1961), She'll Have To Go (1962), and The Bliss Of Mrs Blossom (1968). He later took the straight acting role of Sylvester Le Fley in The Scented Room, an episode of BBC's Jonathan Creek, and voiced Johnny Saveloy in the stop-motion animated series Rex The Runt.
Recognition and Awards
| Award | Year | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| OBE (Order of the British Empire) | 1993 | British Honours System |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | 1995 | British Comedy Awards |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | March 2003 | Television and Radio Industries Club |
In April 2003, he was the subject of This Is Your Life, honoring his extraordinary career. Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye and panellist on Have I Got News For You, met Monkhouse when the comic appeared on the show in 1994 and said: "He was extremely good. He just came on and blew everybody away".
Legacy and Modern Comedy Influence
Nearly seven years after his death, two things became clear: Monkhouse was among the most talented writers and deliverers of jokes British comedy has seen, and his work shaped many leading comedians today. Traces of Monkhouse appear in the mildly naughty amiability of Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, John Bishop and Lee Mack, and in the gleeful punning of Tim Vine.
Modern comedians like Carr, Jack Dee, and Bill Bailey don't consider themselves too cool to play corporate gigs, tour to a workaholic degree, and aren't ashamed to present light entertainment-following Monkhouse's blueprint. Even the youngest modern comics are writing in the Monkhouse manner.
Personal Life and Death
Monkhouse had a troubled personal life that belied the silky charm for which he was known, battling prostate and bone cancer for more than two years. He died peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of Monday, December 29, 2003, aged 75, at his home in the Bedfordshire town of Eggington.
He leaves his wife Jackie and step-daughter Abigail. His two sons, Gary and Simon, predeceased him-Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. Despite his illness, Monkhouse continued working until recently, stating: "I'll never stop working. I want to die in the saddle".
- Born June 1, 1928, in Beckenham, London
- Started drawing cartoons for comics at age 12
- Made radio debut in 1947 on BBC's Gang Show
- Became first comedian with exclusive BBC contract
- Wrote 650+ programmes with Denis Goodwin
- Hosted 15+ game shows over 55-year career
- Received OBE in 1993
- Died December 29, 2003, aged 75
- Carry On Sergeant (1958)
- Dentist In The Chair (1960)
- Family Fortunes (1980-1983)
- Celebrity Squares (1975-1980)
- The Golden Shot
- Bob's Full House
- Opportunity Knocks
- Candid Camera
"He was extremely good. He just came on and blew everybody away. He had a reputation for being cheesy and smarmy but he had millions of good jokes. Nobody could stop him, he was like a machine gun." - Ian Hislop, Private Eye editor
Bob Monkhouse remains a true pioneer of modern Light Entertainment whose influence continues shaping British comedy two decades after his death, creating the footprint for television comedians who followed. His gift for laughter-making embraced cinema, stage, radio and television, making him a giant, unique and irreplaceable figure in British entertainment history.
Everything you need to know about Bob Monkhouse Jokes Hide A Darker Truth
What shows did Bob Monkhouse host?
Bob Monkhouse hosted numerous iconic game shows including Family Fortunes (1980-1983), Celebrity Squares (1975-1980), The Golden Shot, Bob's Full House, Candid Camera, Opportunity Knocks, and Wipeout, becoming British television's most prolific game-show host.
When was Bob Monkhouse born and when did he die?
Bob Monkhouse was born on June 1, 1928, in Beckenham, London, and died on December 29, 2003, at age 75 at his home in Bedfordshire after battling prostate and bone cancer.
Did Bob Monkhouse write comedy?
Yes, Monkhouse wrote more than 650 radio and television programmes over ten years with partner Denis Goodwin, including the BBC sketch series Fast And Loose and sitcom My Pal Bob, making him one of British comedy's most talented writers.
What awards did Bob Monkhouse receive?
Monkhouse received an OBE in 1993, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards in 1995, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Television and Radio Industries Club in March 2003.
Why do modern comedians admire Bob Monkhouse?
Modern comedians admire Monkhouse because his writing style, assured onstage technique, work ethic, and willingness to play corporate gigs and present light entertainment created the blueprint for contemporary British comedy.