William Rowbotham, a talented English actor, was born to a humble, working-class family. His parents, a tram driver and a laundress, instilled in him a strong desire to entertain from an early age. Despite his modest beginnings, Rowbotham worked tirelessly to pursue his passion for acting.
As a young man, he held various jobs to make ends meet, including stints as a printer's apprentice and band vocalist. When he turned 18, he began playing drums in London nightclubs and toured music halls with his own cabaret act to fund his acting classes. He even entertained at Butlin's holiday camps and performed in repertory theater, eventually joining the Unity Theatre, where he gained respect as a stage producer.
Rowbotham's career was briefly interrupted by his military service with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, during which he was injured in an explosion during a battle training course. After his military service, he returned to acting and quickly gained recognition for his performances in various post-war films.
One of his most notable roles was as Johnny in the Clouds (1945),followed by Secret Flight (1946),When the Bough Breaks (1947),Maniacs on Wheels (1949),The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952),The Square Ring (1953),and PT Raiders (1955). He continued to excel in the theater, starring alongside Katharine Hepburn in "As You Like It" (1950) and appearing in "The Threepenny Opera" and "The Mikado," showcasing his musical talents.
In addition to his acting career, Rowbotham was a prolific songwriter and playwright. He partnered with Mike Sammes to write songs recorded by famous artists such as Pat Boone, Harry Secombe, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Sir Cliff Richard. His 1980 song "Marianne" became a hit, and he went on to produce the stage musical "The Matchgirl" in the 1960s.
Rowbotham's career experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, particularly with his role as "Compo" in the BBC's "Last of the Summer Wine" series (1973). His lovable, mischievous character endeared audiences for decades, and he became synonymous with the role.
Throughout his life, Rowbotham was recognized for his contributions to the performing arts. He was awarded the MBE in 1976 for his work with the National Association of Boys Clubs and as chairman of the Performing Arts Advising Panel. He also received an honorary degree from Bradford University in 1998.
Rowbotham's legacy is closely tied to the character of "Compo," and he is often remembered for his woolly hat and threadbare jacket. He passed away in 1999 due to pancreatic cancer, but his impact on the world of entertainment continues to be felt.
