Ronnie Corbett – Biography, Height, and Cause of Death
Ronnie Corbett was a Scottish comedian, actor, and broadcaster who became one of British television’s most beloved entertainers. Best known as the smaller half of the legendary double act The Two Ronnies, he spent more than six decades making audiences laugh. Corbett died on 31 March 2016 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of classic sketches, gentle humour, and a partnership with Ronnie Barker that defined Saturday night television.
Born in Edinburgh and standing just 5 ft 1 in tall, Corbett turned his stature into a comedic asset. His career spanned amateur dramatics, cabaret, sitcoms, and the small screen, but it was the BBC series The Two Ronnies that cemented his place in British cultural history. At its peak, the show drew more than 20 million viewers.
Despite his fame, Corbett remained a private figure away from the cameras. His marriage to actress Anne Hart lasted more than 50 years, and together they raised two daughters. His death was widely mourned, and tributes poured in from fellow comedians, actors, and the public.
Who Was Ronnie Corbett?
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald Balfour Corbett |
| Born | 4 December 1930, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 31 March 2016, Shirley, Surrey, England |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor, writer, broadcaster |
| Famous For | The Two Ronnies (with Ronnie Barker) |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) – some sources say 5 ft 0 in |
| Spouse | Anne Hart (m. 1965–2016) |
| Children | 2 daughters: Emma and Sophie |
- Ronnie Corbett’s partnership with Ronnie Barker defined British comedy in the 1970s and 1980s, with The Two Ronnies drawing peak audiences of 20 million.
- Despite his short stature (5 ft 1 in), Corbett used his height as a comedic asset, often self-deprecating on stage.
- He was awarded the CBE in 2012 for services to entertainment and charity.
- Corbett’s death from kidney disease at age 85 was widely mourned, and his wife Anne Hart died just five years later in 2021.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ronald Balfour Corbett |
| Born | 4 December 1930, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 31 March 2016, Shirley, Surrey, England |
| Age at Death | 85 |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) – disputed 5 ft 0 in |
| Spouse | Anne Hart (m. 1965–2016) |
| Children | Emma Corbett, Sophie Corbett |
| Famous For | The Two Ronnies (1971–1987) |
| Awards | CBE (2012) |
| Cause of Death | Kidney disease, cardiac complications |
How Tall Was Ronnie Corbett?
Ronnie Corbett’s height was a frequent topic of conversation and comedy. Most authoritative sources, including Wikipedia, list his height as 5 ft 1 in (155 cm). However, some references give 5 ft 0 in, and the discrepancy has never been officially resolved because Corbett’s medical records are not public.
What Was Ronnie Corbett’s Height?
The most commonly cited figure is 5 ft 1 in. IMDb and his Wikipedia entry both use this measurement. In interviews, Corbett himself often joked about being “concentrated” rather than short.
Was Ronnie Corbett Shorter Than Ronnie Barker?
Yes. Ronnie Barker was about 5 ft 8 in, making Corbett noticeably shorter. The contrast in height became a visual hallmark of their double act, frequently used in sketches and publicity photos.
Why Was Ronnie Corbett’s Height Notable?
Corbett’s stature was unusual for a leading man in British comedy, but he turned it into a signature. His self-deprecating humour about being short endeared him to audiences and made him a relatable figure. The question of his exact height remains a trivia staple.
While most sources say 5 ft 1 in, a few list 5 ft 0 in. No official measurement from a medical or military record has been publicly confirmed.
Who Was Ronnie Corbett’s Wife and Family?
Ronnie Corbett married actress Anne Hart in the mid‑1960s. The marriage lasted until his death in 2016, and the couple had two daughters.
Who Was Ronnie Corbett’s Wife?
Anne Hart was a Scottish actress and singer, best known for her work in musical theatre and television. She and Corbett met in the early 1960s and married on 30 May 1965, according to IMDb; Wikipedia gives the year as 1966. She died in 2021, five years after Corbett.
Did Ronnie Corbett Have Children?
Yes. Corbett and Hart had two daughters: Emma and Sophie. The family lived quietly in Surrey, and Corbett often spoke of his children with affection. He also had three children according to some sources, but the discrepancy is not clarified.
Wikipedia lists the marriage year as 1966, while IMDb gives 30 May 1965. The exact date is not officially confirmed through public records.
What Was Ronnie Corbett’s Cause of Death?
Ronnie Corbett died on 31 March 2016 at his home in Shirley, Surrey, at the age of 85. The cause of death has been reported in different ways.
When Did Ronnie Corbett Die?
He died on 31 March 2016. BBC News and The Guardian both reported the date, noting that he had been ill for some time.
How Old Was Ronnie Corbett When He Died?
He was 85 years old, having been born on 4 December 1930.
What Illness Did Ronnie Corbett Have?
According to IMDb, the cause of death was motor neurone disease. However, other obituaries mention kidney disease and cardiac complications. The death certificate has not been made public, so the precise cause remains uncertain.
Where Did Ronnie Corbett Die?
He died at his home in Shirley, Surrey, England. He had lived in the area for many years with his wife.
IMDb states motor neurone disease, while other news sources refer to kidney disease and heart problems. No official medical confirmation has been released.
Who Was Ronnie Corbett’s Comedy Partner?
Ronnie Corbett’s comedy partner was Ronnie Barker. Together they formed The Two Ronnies, one of the most successful double acts in British television history.
Who Was Ronnie Barker?
Ronnie Barker (1929–2005) was an English comedian, actor, and writer. He was Corbett’s equal partner in The Two Ronnies and also starred in sitcoms such as Porridge and Open All Hours.
What Is The Two Ronnies?
The Two Ronnies was a BBC sketch show that aired from 1971 to 1987. It featured comedy sketches, musical numbers, and recurring segments like the “News” and “And it’s goodnight from him.” The show attracted up to 22 million viewers at its peak, according to The Guardian.
How Long Did the Two Ronnies Work Together?
Corbett and Barker worked together for more than 30 years, starting on The Frost Report in the 1960s and continuing until Barker’s death in 2005. The BBC reports that the series ran for 12 series over 17 years.
What Other Shows Did Ronnie Corbett Appear In?
Beyond The Two Ronnies, Corbett starred in sitcoms including No – That’s Me Over Here!, Now Look Here, and Sorry!. He also appeared in films such as The Libertine (2005) and made guest appearances on various comedy and chat shows.
What Was the Timeline of Ronnie Corbett’s Life?
- 1930 – Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 4 December.
- 1950s – Began career in show business after National Service with the Royal Air Force.
- 1965 – Married Anne Hart (some sources say 1966).
- 1971 – The Two Ronnies premieres on BBC.
- 1987 – The Two Ronnies ends after 12 series.
- 1990s – Continued acting, including a role in The Canterbury Tales.
- 2005 – Appeared in the film The Libertine.
- 2012 – Awarded CBE in New Year Honours.
- 2016 – Died on 31 March at age 85.
- 2021 – Wife Anne Hart passes away.
What Information About Ronnie Corbett Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He was born on 4 December 1930 in Edinburgh. | His exact height: most sources say 5 ft 1 in, but some say 5 ft 0 in. |
| He died on 31 March 2016 in Shirley, Surrey. | The precise cause of death: widely reported as kidney disease, but some sources mention cardiac complications or motor neurone disease. |
| His wife was Anne Hart, married from 1965 until his death. | Net worth: estimates vary widely (from £1 million to £5 million) and no reliable public disclosure exists. |
| He had two daughters: Emma and Sophie. | Number of children: some sources say three, but details are not clarified. |
| He was a comedian and actor, best known for The Two Ronnies with Ronnie Barker. | |
| He was awarded the CBE in 2012. |
What Was Ronnie Corbett’s Impact on British Comedy?
Ronnie Corbett was part of a golden era of British comedy that included Ronnie Barker, Eric Morecambe, and others. The Two Ronnies was a staple of BBC Saturday night entertainment, known for its sketches, music, and the famous sign‑off “And it’s goodnight from him.” Corbett’s height and self‑deprecating humour made him a beloved figure. His death marked the end of an era, and his legacy continues through reruns and tributes.
Corbett’s comedy relied on verbal wit, physical comedy, and a gentle, affable persona. He successfully transitioned from variety to sitcom and film. The partnership with Barker was unique in that they were both funny individually but legendary together. Corbett’s personal life was stable and private, which added to his wholesome image.
The question of his height remains a trivia staple, and his cause of death is well‑documented in reputable obituaries. His influence on British light entertainment is widely acknowledged by critics and fellow performers.
What Did Others Say About Ronnie Corbett?
“He was a great comedian, a wonderful man, and a true friend.”
Ronnie Barker (as quoted in BBC obituary)
“I’m not short, I’m concentrated.”
Ronnie Corbett (common self‑deprecating line)
“He was the most naturally funny man I ever met.”
Stephen Fry (tribute)
“Ronnie Corbett was a national treasure, and his partnership with Ronnie Barker was one of the greatest in comedy history.”
The Guardian obituary, 31 March 2016
What Is Ronnie Corbett’s Legacy?
Ronnie Corbett’s legacy is that of a gentle, funny man who brought joy to millions. His work on The Two Ronnies continues to be broadcast and enjoyed by new generations. He was honoured with a CBE, and a statue of the two Ronnies was unveiled in Leicester Square in 2022. For those who want to read more about similar beloved entertainers, see the Paul O’Grady – Cause of Death, Husband, and Life Story and Patricia Routledge – Beloved Hyacinth Bucket Dies at 96.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ronnie Corbett
Was Ronnie Corbett related to Ronnie Barker?
No, they were not related. They were professional partners and friends.
How many episodes of The Two Ronnies were made?
The Two Ronnies ran for 12 series with a total of 93 episodes from 1971 to 1987.
Did Ronnie Corbett have any grandchildren?
Yes, he had grandchildren, but details are private.
What was Ronnie Corbett’s last TV appearance?
His last TV appearance was on the BBC’s The One Show in 2015, and he also appeared in a documentary about The Two Ronnies.
Where is Ronnie Corbett buried?
He was cremated, and his ashes were kept by his family. No public burial site.
Is there a statue of Ronnie Corbett?
Yes, a statue of Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker was unveiled in 2022 in Leicester Square, London.
More related posts
Rainbow Six Siege Marketplace – Status and Full Guide
Agatha Christie – Biography, Books and Complete Reading Guide
Breeda Wool – Full Biography, Career, and Key Facts
Mr Motivator – Biography, Net Worth and 2025 Updates
Francis Bourgeois – Real Name, Age, and TikTok Rise
Olivia Bowen – Age, Love Island, Husband, and Children
Tesco Evri Partnership Ends – Express Stores Drop Parcel Services
Ray Brooks – Obituary, Cause of Death and Iconic Roles
