Bobby Knoxall
| Bobby Knoxall | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Robert McKenna |
| Born | 24 December 1933 Sunderland, England |
| Died | 20 July 2009 (aged 75) Sunderland, England |
| Nationality | British |
Robert McKenna MBE (24 December 1933 – 20 July 2009) was an English comedian, better known by his stage name Bobby Knoxall.[1]
Early life
[edit]Knoxall was born in the East End of Sunderland in 1933 and attended St Patrick's School. Illiterate after being expelled from two schools by the age of 12, he obtained a job as a barrow boy selling fruit.[2][3]
Career
[edit]Although he was mainly known in North East England, he also toured. He appeared with a group of rock 'n' roll dancers in London, before becoming a vocalist and turning his patter between songs into a comedy act.[2] He became a cabaret star appearing alongside the likes of Johnny Mathis, Roy Orbison and Louis Armstrong.[3] He also became popular in Africa and the Middle East, appearing on bills with Ella Fitzgerald and José Feliciano.[2]
Knoxall recorded Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Final record, "Sunderland All the Way".[2] He quit performing owing to ill-health, but made a comeback in 2002.[3] He received an MBE for services to entertainment and charity in 2004.[4] It is estimated he raised at least £1million for charity during his 50-plus years on the stage.[5] His autobiography, Stand Up!, was released in 2003.[6]
Knoxall, who suffered from liver and kidney problems, died in July 2009 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Robert McKenna". Gone Too Soon website. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d Tim Booler and Jessica Forster (21 July 2009). "Comic legend Bobby Knoxall dies". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 27 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d "End of a North-East legend". Chortle. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ "Honours for Wearside community". BBC News. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ Bobby - the dazzling 'clown prince' of charity. Sunderland Echo. 22 July 2009. p. 6.
- ^ "Comic writes life story". Northern Echo. 29 September 2003. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
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