Harry H Corbett interview | Thames Television | 1975

7th October 1975
An interview with actor Harry H. Corbett, OBE.
First shown on the 7th October 1975
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Quote: VT12090

[@laurencegoulty3196]

We will never see his like again. Rest in peace Harry your legacy lives on

[@vmax42dave]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnSxqXignJ6AosU

[@g2macs]

For folks who didn't grow up in the seventies, 'Steptoe' was absolutely huge. Remember times were rough, we had general strikes, power cuts, petrol rationing, the troubles. and only three TV channels that shut down at midnight. Everybody and I mean everybody settled down on a Sunday night to watch Harold try to have a life. The whole country mourned the passing of Harry, he was very dear to us all.

[@mysticgeneie4668]

Yes. Sort of like exactly now really.

[@KebabMusicLtd]

Your life back then sounds very bleak. The miners strike lasted for approximately five weeks of 1972 and it would have been hard to watch your tv if there was a power cut anyway. I don't remember anything about petrol rationing, although I was in my school years then. It wasn't all doom and gloom you know.

[@pyeman6819]

@@KebabMusicLtd did you live in Britain in the 70's?

[@Nine-Signs]

Aye, cheap housing, nationalised energy to protect you all from massive hikes from privatized energy corporations, strong communities, free education, nationalised transport, decades of consistent above inflation wage rises, and half the rate of relative child poverty, with less adults in work per household as it was not required for survival, and less hours worked than their kids today 70% of whom suffer the same wage as 1980 once you account for inflation but with 2020's costs of living. The horror... the horror. -.-

[@keithedmundson6532]

Petrol coupons were issued in 73,can't remember having to use them.

[@ineverglid]

Never heard Harry speak seriously before. What a lovely eloquent and thoughtful man.

[@deepblack2193]

What accent is that? Don’t hear it anymore

[@Alt-RockBass]

He was basically one of the first British actors to do method acting. He was a serious actor and played thriller type roles. But what happened to Harry H Corbett was exactly the same that happened to Bob Grant from On The Buses. If you run with a highly successful, long-term role, it's hard to move on from it when the series ends. Bob Grant found the same because he was always seen as 'Jack the Clippy'. It really was tragic. And Harry H Corbett died in 1982 and Bob Grant committed suicide in 2003.

[@goatlps]

@@deepblack2193 he was raised in Manchester, but doesn't sound it, so possibly developed a fake posh accent. Has one of those slurred Cockney Jewish voices like #RoyHodgson.

[@MatthewOfLondon]

What a sweet interview from a lost time. We forget what a miracle videotape really was.

[@GEricG]

What a wonderfully honest and extremely talented actor.

[@dawnfinch9935]

Absolutely loved him

[@albionite7982]

he's a legend

[@marknestbox]

You are a terrific person. thank you for reading this. M. Second Side Up

[@TheSilentStan]

He was very honest and engaging.

[@billybollox5216]

@James Henderson Tool

[@johnkennedy5799]

Along with Arthur Lowe and Leonard Rossiter, this man was one of the three greatest comedy actors of his generation.

[@bryanbelshaw7725]

Ronnie Barker.

[@lenafan492]

Kenneth Williams

[@TheEchovoices]

my fave of all of time kenny

[@juneburns1565]

I think of all time

[@quaid667]

@@lenafan492 Kenneth Connor as well

[@stephengiles8326]

Harry H Corbett so underrated in British comedy history in my opinion. Huge talent! RIP Harry

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

He was a hammy overactor.

[@rachaelhogan7850]

@@JamesRichards-mj9kwdo us a favour and go f…….. yourself no one cares about you he’s a legend fantastic and it was both of them that made the sitcom what it was so do me a favour and get lost loser

[@kevinshanahan6064]

A serious Shakespeare actor who was honest enough to say, I was offered a sitcom part that paid the mortgage and provided me with financial security and regular work.

[@bluevan12]

Joss Ackland was one of those actors who'd happily to appear in shit as it paid the bills. He only appeared in Bill and Teds Bogus Journey as they were offering silly money for him to appear.

[@losttango]

One of the best sitcoms ever made, fortunately for him.

[@enoch6450]

First time Ive heard him out of character. Hes a fabulous speaker. so smooth & eloquent.

[@michaelminers2612]

Same here, never heard him interviewed before.

[@ggagg123]

Thank you Harry for all the laughter. You're the best!

[@valobrien3281]

Ben G He died a number of years ago of course.

[@valerieobrien5521]

He had no arrogance about him, and was deeper than people imagined. or gave him credit for. He could easily play classical parts which would suprise people.

[@donb3557]

He made acting look so easy and his character so convincing he is sorely missed. RIP

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

He was a hammy overactor. His fake voice was about as convincing as his wig.

[@JJONNYREPP]

Harry H Corbett interview | Thames Television | 1975 11.6.23 1102am worked in rep, didn't he... travelling with a group of idealistic young actors and actresses? one mattress and a van or something... starving, eager to please, seeking out dens to perform their schtick. i would recommend the various biogs written - authorized and/or unauthorized - as he was an interesting chap.

[@marthastubbs8321]

​@@JamesRichards-mj9kwgrow up

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@marthastubbs8321 Brambell acted him off of the screen in every episode.

[@rachaelhogan7850]

@@JamesRichards-mj9kw Your a t……er mate take your pathetic attention seeking comment and like yourself vanish god damn loser

[@terenceyounification]

I’ve never seen Harry interviewed before, what a lovely man.

[@evilspeak5702]

It's impossible not to like the man after watching that interview. Funny, intelligent and very passionate about his job. Don't see much of that in actors these days.

[@DrMoorehen]

I so agree, three cheers for harry h,

[@shaftsbury94]

deffo never seen him interviewed before.

[@stewartsanders9290]

Balti Pasta harry h Corbet was a womaniser who hated Wilfrid bramble the series made both men hate each others guts bramble was a gay alcoholic who fked up his lines told fans he meet in the street to fk off steptoe and son died in new Zealand when bramble let go on live TV 2 people were at brambles funeral the rest is history and the H in harry H Corbet stood for nothing at all

[@simoncrosbie2296]

what harry did or did not do in his private life is nobody elses business but his, he was an actor, a great actor. and that is what we are judging he was great in Steptoe and son, and he was fantastic in carry on screaming. he was a human being like the rest of us, he made mistakes just like we do in our lives, nobody is perfect.., R.I.P. HARRY H CORBETT

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Well said Simon!

[@BedsitBob]

He was brilliant in Carry On Screaming. It's a pity they didn't cast him in a few more Carry On movies.

[@elvisleeboy]

BedsitBob I agree and his character in Carry On Screaming had no resemblance to Harold Steptoe, so he could easily have had a varied career.

[@theindiediary5950]

Loved him in that. He was just great to watch. An incredibly likable actor.

[@KingFahtah]

He would have made a great replacement for Sid James after Sid passed away. May have saved the series.

[@lakvindersingh4632]

How was made for the carry on films, just deffo has the look a bout him and character

[@suzannemoogan9675]

BedsitBob I agree he was amazing in Carry on Screaming as Sergeant Bung. Sid James could never have played that role, Harry was gifted at playing naive, bumbling characters Harry performed Talbot Rothwel's, screenplay Carry on Screaming with ease, it still cracks me up how they used the Steptoe and son theme tune to take the rise out of his role as as a werewolf up on the plank!!

[@sarahholland1375]

My Mum & later I, had such a crush on him. Its lovely to see this, he's just as nice as I'd hoped he'd be in person. 30years on I still love watching Steptoe reruns, it doesn't date, the true mark of classic comedy.

[@alisonnorcross951]

I thought he was so sexy and handsome.

[@steveprice638]

'You dirty old man!' - a brilliant actor. Loved him as a child in the 60s.

[@cashcrop70]

Could listen to Harry H Corbett all day.

[@pix046]

I saw him on the train in 1980. London to Hastings. I alighted in Tunbridge Wells and he carried on to Hastings. I say ''saw'. Just that. I never spoke to him.

[@ajay999999]

You dirty old man

[@valobrien3281]

cashcrop70 Nice looking too !

[@bellachance1206]

@@valobrien3281 Yes, I always thought he was very handsome.

[@davidridley674]

Love him,love him, love him. A part of my child hood which can never be erased.

[@sarahrhodes491]

Mine too. 1960s TV was the best - and there were only 2 channels then - until BEEB 2. But what we got was first-rate.

[@davidgoulden5956]

Me too. Just so engaging. (Jim Dale had the same quality. And, of course, they were both in Carry On Screaming.) A great actor, too. The last few minutes of the SAS Seance episode are uncommonly touching, thanks to Harry H C. Gone but not forgotten.

[@DMG118]

I'm a child of the 90s but I grew up watching Steptoe and Son on TVGold. Loved it. RIP, Sir!

[@Robcatist]

Steptoe n Son the best sitcom ever hands down, the chemistry between Harry and Wilfred was second to none.

[@chrisclarke5430]

They hated each other in real life

[@slapmyfunkybass]

They hated each other so much when they went to Australia they took different planes.

[@MirlitronOne]

@@slapmyfunkybass Actually, they returned on different planes, as they were heading to different destinations. Corbett was heading straight out to join his family on holiday in Spain. Mind you, yes, they didn't get on particularly but then Brambell was, after all, a "dirty old man." :-)

[@michaelcowey1468]

They did not hate each other. They just did not share the limelight outside the studio. A myth written by the tabloid trash to sell papers.

[@corbe1970ify]

Harry's daughter said in an interview that she doesn't recall Harry hating Wilfred bramble, I read Wilfred did turn up pissed up fir filming and fluffing his lines all the time

[@spikesworth]

Back when the famous would talk about their respective art.... Back when the famous had an art!

[@mutantking88]

Very true and not just to do the promotion circuit like they do nowadays.

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Back in the US, back in the US, back in the USSR

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Back when comedy was well acted and actually funny.

[@aloriaday7098]

I know and look at the sort of twats who are"famous" now , The Kardashians, Ryland, Love Island wallies

[@robertlaw9277]

True words. This was the era when proper talented stars would go on TV for just a chat and not to plug a book, film, song, etc.

[@SuperTed19021]

A shame he died so young. A very talented actor who made Steptoe my favourite comedy.

[@Smudgeroon74]

Sorry when did he pass away?

[@vipeton.8927]

@@Smudgeroon74 1982

[@lordcharfield4529]

What an accurate depiction of the human state and analysis of the world wrapped up in 5 minutes. I just love him and saddened that he was wrenched away so early. Amazing actor

[@MarkHarrison733]

He was an alcoholic who smoked 60 cigarettes a day.

[@elliej11j68]

@@MarkHarrison733 And does that take away from his talent? He is not a monster.

[@steveash9364]

Probably found it very hard to deal with the action he saw in ww2 he apparently killed two Japanese in hand to hand combat, what an amazing talented actor and what a absolute great series step toe was.

[@ginettechiverton7113]

One of our Very underrated Superb British Actors.🇬🇧😊

[@mistofoles]

Harry added the "H" in his name to avoid being confused with the guy who created Sooty. When asked what the "H" stood for, he replied "Hanything" !

[@moretimeneeded56]

Prime Minister, Harold Wilson wished to have Corbett appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), but the middle initial "H" was lost in the process and the award went to the Sooty puppeteer, Harry Corbett, instead. Both were eventually included in the same New Year's Honours list on 1 January 1976

[@fretboardmaster70]

Nothing worse than sharing a name with a man who shoved his hand up a Teddys ass for a living 😂😂😂😂

[@portcullis5622]

@@fretboardmaster70 🤣Oh I don't know. There are many things that are worse. How about having the (narcissistic, bullying) son of the world's most notorious serial killer ('Dr Death') as a boss AND next door neighbour?

[@MsDawnnee]

I remember when he passed away, I was only a child, but it was such a shock, and very sad.

[@vilamor007]

Steptoe and son was absolutely brilliant, I loved it when I was growing up, classic comedy.

[@AACE73]

He was a genius! Made 'Arold' so believable & made it look so effortless. Also loved him in Carry on Screaming, my favourite of the 'Carry Ons', because he was in it & was sublime in his role! Died way too young. May He Rest in Peace xx Thank you for this upload xx

[@johnc8770]

Growing up in the 60's and early 70's this guy was right up there on my list of entertainers. Wish i could have met him but alas he died in 1982.

[@AfghanApothecary]

So if he hadn't died in 82 you might have met him? Harry would be laughing at that one haha

[@RussCampbell11]

Great interview with Harry H Corbett. Never seen this interview before.

[@marykate2336]

Amazed at how well spoken he was, he died far too young.

[@MarkHarrison733]

He affected a posh accent. 57 is far from "young".

[@keithblaenshet5041]

The last thing I saw him star in was Silver Dream Racer with David Essex.

[@michaeldevaney5728]

​@@MarkHarrison733I definitely wouldnt say 57 is far from young it's definitely not old

[@matbrennan2941]

I’m 45 and grew up hoping steptoe and son would come on the tv. It was in black and white but so warm and funny!!!! It was and still is my favourite comedy series… God bless Wilfred and Harry H. 👏👏👏👏

[@davidquirke2456]

I'm 60 Matt and remember the original run. It was wonderful - a family visit to the TV around the meal. My favourite episode - When they "split" the House!

[@matbrennan2941]

@@davidquirke2456 Hi David, my favourite episode is pot black!!!! So funny with good clean humour. I’m always driving my wife nuts watching them.😂

[@paulcarroll5815]

It was also in colour as were the two movies

[@tonyx8750]

One of the greatest comedies (Steptoe and son) and clearly a great actor and decent man. Will never be forgotten.

[@sabs1970]

Sadly the dear man's Grave & headstone is now a right mess it so needs to be made tidy again

[@johnking5174]

Harry H Corbett - true gentleman, yes with some flaws, but deep down a true gentleman, as his daughter remembers.

[@jonsmum5552]

I salute you Mr Corbett and of course Mr Brambell for making myself and my late father laugh till we cried. The pleasure was all ours.

[@daveevans7292]

What a polite lovely man ,all the family used to sit watching never missed it

[@iwanwilliams8762]

Seemed he was too nice, gave a lot of money to so called "friends" according to his daughter, and the favours were not returned.

[@SickOfItAll-do1cf]

Didn’t he get done for fiddling kids?

[@mikenaisbitt9613]

Great interview with a great and down to earth actor miss him sadly deserved to live longer than he did . He could have tought the current crop of nohopers how act Sad loss

[@Citizen475]

Talk about trying to depress Harry. What a useless interviewer. He went on and on about typecasting and asking him how frustrated he was. Good thing Harry was above that.

[@Jademyheart]

Agreed, awful dredfull stand in ... Poor Harry was sighing, & try laughing & it's depressing 🥵 compete twat

[@aprilapril2]

He was sooo negative. Lovely Harry brushed off his silly assumptions with his lovely bright and positive responses....

[@vincenzo62]

Agree I thought the interviewer was awful, he was just focusing on anything negative, terrible, trying to push Harry down that route, as someone else said he was Slimy

[@gabrielhershman2313]

@crazyclive Allan Hargreaves, not David - don't completely agree that his questions were that bad. Interviewers have to ask difficult questions and Harry fielded them very well.

[@robertbiggins3693]

Was thinking about Noah but came out as Moses daft interviewer never twiged his answer

[@gscjapan6356]

I never realised what an incredibly handsome man he was.

[@suededogs9670]

That laugh ! God bless you Harry. Sorely missed.

[@stephenrose1343]

Hugely underated actor,who co-starred in one of the finest situation comedies, television produced in the UK .The quality of which is unlikely to be replicated on terrestrial television again. So nice to have found this, as he gave few interviews.

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Wasn’t underrated at all, hence the show being so huge.

[@jayp4226]

Having always been told how resentful Mr Corbett was of Carry On Screaming wanting him to play it as Steptoe, I was pleasantly surprised by this. What a lovely man, and very funny

[@writeract2]

So likeable and so genuinely honest in his responses - never heard of him before stumbling on to this - love him.

[@ayrshireman1314]

One of the UK's best ever comedy actors, and a fine dramatic stage actor when younger.

[@markfarmer1815]

Sadly missed! Thanks for making me laugh.

[@baztheman909]

Saw him in 1972 at the BBC making a Steptoe and Son episode. He was brilliant and extremely funny.

[@tinajaneoxnam8132]

He & Wilfred were brilliant . It's a shame that they're not with us anymore. I could watch septo & son all day if I wanted to.

[@paulmcdonough1093]

The Desperate Hours is my best steptoe and son episode

[@claireclayton5264]

Love the films personally

[@michaeldevaney5728]

@@paulmcdonough1093 did you see ie come dancing i think that was my favourite or maybe seance in a wet rag and bone yard

[@kevintucker5193]

A very fine actor, who, quite rightly, will always be remembered as Harold in Steptoe, but who did so much more. The great Oliver Hardy once said that to be a comedy actor was the hardest thing to do. When you see Harry in Steptoe, he was brilliant.

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

The fact that he said “This medium that I live in” demonstrates that he was an artist. I’m sure he could have played to an empty house and still have a standing ovation.

[@wanderer1955]

He was regarded at Britain's Marlon Brando. He was that good.

[@TheQ-Continuum]

Harry H Corbett was actually from Manchester. I always thought he was from London and had the accent spot on. He was a talented and highly underrated actor, the Steptoe thing always stuck with him throughout his carer. Sadly he died in 1982 and he was only 57 !

[@leelee6000]

The Q-Continuum 57 isn't young though it's not young really it's old to a lot of people

[@splodge5714]

....and when all those people reach 57 its young.

[@gilgameshofuruk4060]

@@leelee6000 not to anyone in their 50s it isn't!

[@stevenhighams4190]

@@leelee6000 But it won't be for very long - it comes very soon to everyone who gets that far.

[@tomwait7900]

Watching this, Harry totally owned the interviewer at the end of it. A wonderfully human and funny man and actor.

[@TheSilentStan]

I always loved him as a kid watching Steptoe and Son, but never imagined him to be so warm and engaging off screen. Such a sweet soul who went far too soon. Down to earth, funny and lovely. I'd have loved to have met him.

[@TheSilentStan]

James Henderson go and crawl back into your hole... there’s a good chap 👍

[@ShikiraPressley]

Just fantastic despite the typecast - a really brilliant man full of charm and sophistication!!!!I his wisdom misguided of the times yet a fluid actor and spokesman of his era - pity I never lived in the 60's.

[@borjastick]

I used to see him on the afternoon trains out of Charing Cross going down to east Sussex where he lived I think. I sat in the same carriage as him several times and he was always polite and chatty to people who wanted to talk. But he was never 'look at me' or carrying an ego.

[@Sparky68M]

I new his son John and met his daughter a very good actress when they live in Ashburham East Sussex, he was probably going to Battle station

[@simoncrosbie2296]

my late father once told me that in 1975 he took harry h Corbett to the television centre in his car for an interview, and I believe that this may be the interview that he went to, I once met harry h Corbett when I was about 9 yrs of age , he was filming just around the corner from where I lived and he was trying to get the horse into the back of the horse box thing behind the van and everytime the horse was nearly in it will come back out backwards, it was hilarious to watch, it happened 4 or 5 times before he finally got the horse in. my father used to work for a cab firm and many famous actors asked especially for my father as he had the best car.. R.I.P. DAD.

[@Mossadagent666]

Simon Cosbie beautiful story that touched my heart 💓

[@anthonytaylor3989]

@@Mossadagent666 I agree with you, what a beautiful memory to cling onto, thank you for sharing.

[@anthonytaylor3989]

A beautiful memory to cling onto, thank you for sharing.

[@philadelphiawhovian5641]

that was lovely to hear! ur dad sounds like he was a good egg :D

[@barryallen7894]

Got to be the movie when he ends up going to york..cant remember which one but thank you for that...what a memory to share..wow

[@keithrich8373]

Steptoe and son stands alone as arguably the best ever sitcom.I have all surviving episodes and never tire of watching them.Quality that you rarely see now.Humour that is considered not PC now but God was it bloody funny! RIP Guys💓💓👍😂😂😂😂😂

[@jmc6687]

Great actor as he made every part his own, who else could have played in steptoe like he did ? and what a gentleman.

[@tonychuter4830]

What a great actor the Marlon brando of great Britain they called him and rightly so a lovely man sadly missed i would say gone to soon but just like all the greats they leave us whanting more RIP SIR.......

[@breakit46]

Steptoe and Son was a sitcom with a near documentary style, especially the outdoors scenes.

[@deadmausish]

I STILL love that man. What an actor.

[@splodge5714]

What a wonderful way to finish an interview, both in fits of laughter. Nice one Harry. 🤣

[@petermatthews2180]

Legendary actor, rest in peace and thanks for all the laughs

[@derrickmurphy9988]

Harry died way too young 57.great man.

[@tennisphotography]

he died at 57, he had many more good years in him..... he was the best...

[@kelvinlewis4065]

@@tennisphotography lovely guy

[@JontheBerean]

@Anne Phair I gave up smoking in 2005. I saw a young couple today but 80 cigarettes each ,they spent over £100 . It made me feel sick , so glad I'm free !

[@JontheBerean]

@Anne Phair Yes , you don't notice the smell until you give up. Horrible . The only reason cigarettes are still around is because it's legal and the government make plenty of money from the tax. It's the same with alcohol. I gave up cigarettes quite easily , I'm off the booze too now, but I struggled more to give up that.

[@JontheBerean]

@Anne Phair Here is my story, on how I came to give up cigarettes, alcohol and more. I was an agnostic for 40 years, then in 2005 , I became a follower of Jesus. God bless you kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5Obgp1qmradf6c

[@billgordon6489]

Thank you for posting this, so lovely to see Harry in his prime.

[@MrKinglizzie]

There was something about this man that came across transparent and approachable.

[@tonyh4257]

Steptoe has never been surpassed thanks to the great scripts of Galton and Simpson and the equally great acting of Harry H Corbett and Wilfred Brambell. Not seen this interview before and felt that interviewers questions were rather clichéd and patronising but Harry H Corbett seems a really lovely, down to earth guy.

[@killerjoe3025]

Absolutely a legend rest in peace my friend

[@richardwigley4942]

Love him and them times

[@tristanmorgan852]

I always loved him he was very deep and willing to show his emotions ❤

[@JeffreyKitsch]

Great man, terrific actor. Such a tragedy he died less than 10 years later. His career really did shrivel up outside of Steptoe but I'm sure had he lived through to the end of the century he would have been given another substantial role.

[@jrgboy]

Steptoe & Son originally ran from 1962 to 1965, it was only when the BBC decided to revive it in 1970, in colour, that Harry & Willy were 'typecast', they were not known as comic actors but Galton & Simpson wanted them and they were available at the time, unlike many sitcoms they brought drama and pathos into the situations..

[@aalexjohna]

My cock shrivelled up when I got married.

[@iamrocketray]

they can have that effect on some blokes, but i bet you soon got over it

[@simoncrosbie2296]

I HOPE YOU ARE NOW FEELING BETTER,

[@petermitchell6348]

He played a good part in the Python film: Jaberwocky.

[@toff358]

A very good interview indeed, excellent interviewer in Allan Hargreaves and HHC very down to earth, engaging and well grounded. The last few minutes are very funny and quite delightful!

[@whatshisname3304]

who are you,, his dad ?

[@therespectedlex9794]

No, his Dad was dragging him down.

[@whatshisname3304]

the interviewer was rubbish and the series was brilliant and so was bramble.

[@jeanperrieretfils]

I thought they interviewer was poor, though perhaps not through choice, rather in the network's bid to cause disruption to the guest's contented demeanour. Constant referencing to being typecast, repetitive questioning regarding being annoyed at not being respected or recognised for his work outside of Steptoe. I'm too young to have seen his work, but know of his legacy. This 5min clip alone shows what a wonderful man he was, and that shows in the last few seconds when the interviewer is in hysterics. Legendary.

[@BernieHollandMusic]

@@whatshisname3304 Ha ! Ha !

[@Edgel-in6bs]

Amazing interview-brilliant, such an engaging character.

[@johnking5174]

Harry also knew that even though he could be held back in terms of typecast, he would be financially secure. Both he and Wilfrid Brambell were paid huge sums in BBC terms for Steptoe. In the 1960s it was £1,000 an episode - unheard of at the BBC in 1964 for anything else.

[@such-as-life9777]

brilliant actor

[@JoeRivermanSongwriter]

The mark of a great character actor is when you find it hard to believe it's an act. Harry H Corbett, Michael Crawford and Ronnie Barker etc are the masters of their craft.

[@alanwitton5039]

A lovely man and a great actor! Greatly missed

[@happyfeet4506]

An amazing actor that was taken far to soon.

[@grahamblack1961]

For someone who didn't regard himself as a comedian, has was very funny.

[@jrgboy]

He was a comic actor not a comedian, he didn't tell jokes

[@YorkieLad]

Funny isn't the word , as a kid me and my family would watch Steptoe and piss our selves laughing all over .Genius comedy

[@dawnfinch9935]

smithdvr yes absolute classic

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

It wasn't funny but he was a warm soul

[@johnp515]

Kyle A Speak for yourself

[@oneworldfamily]

Why does the interviewer keep asking Harry such negative questions?

[@aSmashingTime]

oneworldfamily To invoke a negative reaction perhaps. Makes for good television, unfortunately.

[@leestephenson7042]

coz he's a twat

[@philadelphiawhovian5641]

@stephen noonan Fancy meeting u here, lol! i just happened to click on this conversation thread and there u were. anyway, I just watched it. I LOVED him. he's the sort of chap that I would like to converse with. he seems... kind, but also real. I loved how he mentioned that, even during the depressing times, they laughed a lot. when times r hard and u r fighting to make a buck, that's when u need to laugh. then again, perhaps that shows the ONLY plus of being in a time of true hardship. when life is hard, u don't have time to be down in the dumps, bc ur constantly fighting. but now, bc some people have no problems, they create problems and agendas so they can make a pretend enemy to struggle against. i'm not saying everyone does that, i'm just saying that sometimes people need a little struggle to appreciate things every now and again. and i'm happy that he didn't grow to resent his part as Harold, bc I didn't want another Alec Guinness situation from Star Wars. I admire what he said about living in the present. and the shocking truth that war can help an economy is... sadly true.

[@DokktorDeth]

Because he's a self-regarding dickhead.

[@DrumsTheWord]

I thought this to. Journalists haven't changed in all these years. Always trying to get a big reaction or line to help promote themselves.

[@JoeRivermanSongwriter]

The Harold character is a testament to the huge talent of the man though. He's so believable.

[@robshearing2131]

i never realised that his voice was like that in normal conversation, good old boy

[@robshearing2131]

what does liked comment mean help Sheriff Robret R Shearing

[@ukboyuk3450]

What s true celeb sad he died so young

[@thequietroom3991]

I cant believe he really spoke like that, I always thought it was character play. Obviously a smart bloke.

[@harpothehealer]

He was simply great. Watched his character in Steptoe and son as a teenager many years later watched it again on a different level and then again years later another level. A great vehicle for him that part probably less so for the part of the father. To me his work was brilliant.

[@rayandlee1969]

"Yesterday's performances are gone. It's the now that counts" I needed to hear that 💗

[@1911m1a1ellis]

He was a heartthrob in the 50's, and rated highly as an actor.

[@melgrant7404]

He was nice looking and a lovely Personality.

[@liverpoolpictorial]

Interesting interview. Harry H Corbett was a fantastic actor.

[@hissingsid3907]

Watch him in The Bargee film with Ronnie Barker, absolutely briliant.

[@bobsmith2481]

Engaging and charming manner. Apparently Harry was a bit of a ladies’ man. Doesn’t come as a massive shock.

[@peterlewis3540]

Just watch the Parkinson interviews, Richard Burton, Orson Welles come to mind, as well and the other Holywood great's. All of them, were highly articulate, and magnificent actors, who were extremely fortunate to have been offered roles written by truly gifted script writers. Steptoe & Son, still ranks alongside Dads Army, Rising Damp and Only Fools & Horses, as some of the greatest situation comedy ever to be shown on British Television. Harry H Corbett may have been remembered specifically for one leading role he played over four decades ago, but what a role, played by one of our greatest actors. When certain actors have died and passed from our memories, others have left a lasting legacy of true greatness, Harold Steptoe was one of those actors.

[@Sameoldfitup]

“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams

[@mrclaretandblue]

Harry H Corbett world class actor Brillant in every role he played..

[@richardtaylor3798]

Fantastic --good guy great actor sadly missed. RIP

[@pigknickers]

So very interesting. Imagine if they put good things on TV nowadays, that would be weird.

[@WhisperingJohn]

He was actually a good looking man when you get close to his face.

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

As are you.

[@colinhickman4071]

He wouldn't have wanted you close to his boat...pal

[@phillipecook3227]

There's a compliment in there somewhere ....

[@ShadSimm]

He wore a syrup during the later Steptoe years. It’s harder to tell if he’s wearing one ‘ere...?

[@dannyclark290]

Such a gentleman, honesty polite ,humorous not ashamed to fire back answers to negative questions. My childhood was built on comedy and steptoe and son being at the very pinnacle ! This has given me and taught me alot about life , you know just to sit somewhere anywhere and think of steptoe and son can create not just a memory but a everlasting smile that goes with it and the very best is nobody can ever take those everlasting smiles away! Thank you P.S the what the butler saw machine was one of my favourites along with steptoe and son ride again were he falls in love with the stripper but never works out. Once again steptoe and son will live forever in my heart.

[@steveoshow4832]

What a lovely snippet of HHC, talking eloquently about his craft and finishing off with ‘It won’t float’ Cracking up the crew which probably which says it all. Well spoken like his stage Dad Wilfred Brambell both thespians to the core. What a wonderful piece of work Steptoe & Son was and still is😎👌

[@waybec102]

Steptoe and Son is a classic. I recently listened to all the Radio shows after watching all the DVD's. Pure comedic genius from pure well written and acting characters. It's just unfortunate that had Harry given this Interview in 2018 as he was then, I'm sure he would've got many more diverse parts simply because he was such a brilliant actor!

[@ajlomas7185]

Oh what a fantastic find, didn't know that this little gem even existed. Such a great and well loved actor. A talented and real funny guy. It's often been said that Harry later grew to resent the character of Harold as he found it had a negative effect on his career when it came to pursuing other roles, and yet here he is talking very happily about the role, it kind of makes you wonder how much of it is true, after all he has no reason to lie about it. Maybe it was his relationship with Wilfred that was the problem and not so much the character he was portraying. Either way it doesn't distract you from the wonderful performances that both actors gave in a classic and very funny sitcom. I bought the complete boxset of Steptoe ages ago, and even now it's a joy to watch. Who cares what went on behind the scenes, it's the work on screen that counts and what's remembered. RIP Harry, what a great guy.

[@shaneluke346]

A J Lomas apparently Wilfred Bramble WAS a DIRTY OLD MAN in REAL LIFE , remember my late mum and told telling me athough I DONT KNOW HOW they knew

[@tiberfoaming4191]

@@shaneluke346 :. Wilfred Bramble was a complex personality. He was the absolute antithesis of his Albert Steptoe character. Dapper, with refined tastes (collector of antiques), though could be notoriously rude to fans and interviewers on occasions. Homosexual, at a time when it was both illegal and almost guaranteed career death for a celebrity if found out. The inner-demons from this likely contributed to his slide into alcoholism (the two often went hand-in-hand in those less tolerant times). He used to indulge in frequent escapades to Hong Kong - where homosexuality was also illegal, but enforcement much more lax than in the UK - eventually meeting his long-term Malaysian partner whom he brought back to England. It is a myth created by a sensationalist and very poorly-researched Channel 4 documentary that Corbett and Bramble hated each other. It has been denied on several occasions by members of Corbett's family, and the Steptoe writers, Galton and Simpson. Bramble also broke down in tears when Corbett died.

[@mikefellows3901]

What a great guy ! Fantastic actor to boot ! True legend !

[@geoffreycliff7020]

Thanks for the laughs harry. God bless.