Harry Corbett
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about the English puppeteer Harry Corbett. For the English actor (star of Steptoe and Son), see Harry H. Corbett
| Harry Corbett | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 28, 1918 Bradford, West Yorkshire |
| Died | August 17, 1989 (aged 71) Dorset |
| Occupation | Puppeteer |
| Years active | 1940s-1970s |
Harry Corbett OBE (born Bradford, West Yorkshire, 28 January 1918 — died 17 August 1989) was an English puppeteer, known as the creator in 1948 of the longrunning 'Sooty' glove puppet character.
Corbett was the nephew of the famous fish and chip shop magnate Harry Ramsden and his parents owned a fish and chip shop in the same town.[1] He found the original Sooty glove puppet in a novelty shop on the end of Blackpool's North Pier for 7 shillings and 6 pence.
His first appearance with the silent Sooty was in a TV show called Talent Night. He then got a part in Peter Butterworth's TV show Saturday Special. He soon got his own show and was a regular favourite throughout the 'fifties and 'sixties.
His show would combine simple magic tricks with slapstick comedy in which Sooty usually poured liquid over or hit Harry.
Corbett lived in the Dorset village of Child Okeford for most of his life.
Sooty was later taken over by his son Matthew Corbett after Harry Corbett retired in the 1970s.
[edit] Catchphrases
- "Izzy wizzy, let's get busy"
- "Bye bye everybody! Bye bye!"
[edit] OBE
In 1976, Prime Minister Harold Wilson wished to have Steptoe and Son actor Harry H. Corbett awarded an OBE, but the middle initial "H" was lost in the bureaucratic process, and the award went to Harry Corbett instead.[2][3]
[edit] References
- Tibballs, Geoff (1990). The Secret Life of Sooty. Letchworth, UK: Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-56-2.
- Harry Corbett at the Internet Movie Database
- Whirligig tv on Sooty
- TV Heaven
- ^ Guiseley chip shop wraps up place in TV show. Retrieved on 2008-05-11. (Wharfedale Observer)
- ^ The Honours Game - Telegraph
- ^ Sin to Win: Seven Deadly Steps to Success, Marc Lewis ISBN 1841123110
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