Harry H. Corbett
Biography
Harry H. Corbett was an English actor who became best known as Harold Steptoe, the rag-and-bone man he played opposite Wilfrid Brambell in the BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son. Born in Rangoon, Burma, and raised in Manchester, he trained as a radiographer before joining Chorlton Repertory theater. He added the H to his name to avoid confusion with television entertainer Harry Corbett, and in 1956 appeared on the London stage in The Family Reunion. From 1958 he worked regularly in films and television, earning notice as a serious, intense performer in dramas such as The Adventures of Robin Hood and Police Surgeon. Galton and Simpson cast him in the 1962 Comedy Playhouse episode The Offer, which led to Steptoe and Son from 1962 to 1974. His television fame brought comedy film roles, including Carry On Screaming (1966), Jabberwocky (1977), and The Bargee (1964). He recorded songs and albums, narrated Jackanory, and starred in the ITV series Mr. Aitch and Grundy.
57years old at death
- Born Yangon
- Died Hastings
- Star sign: PiscesThe sign runs February 19 to March 20
- Also credited as Harry Corbett
Movie Career
- Films
- 5
- Career span
- 19 years1958 to 1977
Every film, newest first
- 1977Adventures of a Private EyeIMDb rating 4.3
- 1977JabberwockyIMDb rating 6.1
- 1977That's Carry On!IMDb rating 5.3
- 1966Carry On ScreamingIMDb rating 6.7
- 1958Nowhere to GoIMDb rating 6.8
Genres
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A change of course
Corbett trained as a radiographer after returning to civilian life, before he took up acting as a career and joined the Chorlton Repertory theater.
Early training
Corbett studied Stanislavski's system and also worked at Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, which was based at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, London.
Beyond film
Corbett recorded an album in 1973 called Only Authorised Employees To Break Bottles, a showcase of accents featuring his singing in Liverpudlian, Brummie and Mancunian. The RA label, based in Torquay, Devon, put it out in 1974.
Harry H. Corbett movies on Netflix
Most often with
Gerald Thomas directed two of these films. Bernard Bresslaw appears in three of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Bernard Bresslaw's page
Kenneth Williams's page
Peter Butterworth's page
Jim Dale's page
Jon Pertwee's page
Angela Douglas's page
Gerald ThomasDirector, 2 films, 1966 to 1977
All films by Gerald Thomas
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Officer of the Order of the British Empire | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.