Benny Hill, a renowned British comedian best known for his own show, ‘The Benny Hill Show,’ developed an international cult following for his comedy. The show was enormously popular, having aired in over 109 countries for more than three decades. Hill was born into a lower middle class family and worked in a variety of odd jobs, including as a milkman and a driver, before landing a job as a stage manager. Throughout his adolescent years, he dreamed of making it big in the entertainment industry. To pursue this dream, he moved to London at the age of sixteen to pursue a career in comedy. However, he was unable to connect with audiences while on stage, and his attempt at radio was also unsuccessful. He achieved success and celebrity through television. He began his television career with the show ‘Hi There’ and later founded the legendary television comedy ‘The Benny Hill Show’. He also made a number of film appearances. He never married in his entire life. Continue reading this biography to learn more fascinating and intriguing facts about his childhood, personal life, and accomplishments.
Childhood & Adolescence
Benny Hill was born Alfred Hawthorne Hill in Eastleigh, Hampshire, England. He worked as a bridge operator, milkman, drummer, and driver before landing a job as an assistant stage manager with a touring review.
After serving his country in the army during World War II, he relocated to London and adopted the stage name Benny Hill. He quickly began making appearances on variety shows.
Career of Benny
He began his career as a radio performer and made his television debut in 1950 with the show ‘Hi There’. His artistic ability, combined with excellent comic timing, earned him a television appearance.
He debuted his comedy show, ‘The Benny Hill Show,’ on January 15, 1955. It was a show that featured mime, slapstick, parody sketches, and double entendre.
In 1956, he starred in the British comedy film ‘Who Done It?’ as ‘Hugo Dill,’ a detective on a mission. Basil Dearden directed the film.
In 1961, he released the comedy song ‘Gather in the Mushrooms,’ which charted well in the United Kingdom. He also released his comic song ‘Transistor Radio’ and his diary ‘Pepys’ Diary’ that year.
In 1963, he released ‘Harvest Of Love,’ a short comedy song that he also co-wrote and performed. The song charted well in the United Kingdom.
He portrayed ‘Nick Bottom’ in 1964’s television film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s legendary play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
In 1964, he began hosting his own radio show on BBC Radio’s Light Programme, titled ‘Benny Hill Time.’ The show ran for three seasons, from 1965 to 1966.
In 1965, he appeared in the British comedy film ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ as a minor character named ‘Fire Chief Perkins’. Ken Annakin directed the film.
In 1968, he starred in the British musical film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’ based on Ian Fleming’s novel ‘Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car.
He starred as ‘Professor Simon Peach’ in the British caper film ‘The Italian Job’ in 1969. The film received a mixed response from critics. While some praised it, others criticized it.
He wrote and performed the novelty song ‘Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)’ in 1971. The song was a huge success, topping the charts.
In 1974, he starred in ‘The Best of Benny Hill,’ a film adaptation of his television show, ‘The Benny Hill Show.’ The film included the majority of the show’s episodes.
In 1985, he starred in ‘Benny Hill’s Madcap Chase,’ a ZX Spectrum videogame. The game is loosely based on his television show ‘Thames TV’.
In 1986, he appeared in the video for the British rock band ‘Genesis’s’ song ‘Anything She Does. The song was included on their chart-topping album ‘Invisible Touch’.
His television career ended in 1989, when ‘The Benny Hill Show’ was canceled due to high production costs and low ratings.
In 1991, ‘Benny Hill’s World Tour: New York!’ was released as his final television work. The show was filmed in and around New York City and featured numerous outdoor scenes.
Significant Works of Benny
Best known for his television comedy show, ‘The Benny Hill Show,’ which ran from 1955 to 1991. The show was broadcast in over 109 countries worldwide.
His novelty song, ‘Ernie (The West’s Fastest Milkman),’ was a huge success. The chart-topping song peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart during the Christmas season.
Awards and Accomplishments
In 1972, he won the BAFTA Television Award for ‘Best Script’ for ‘The Benny Hill Show’.
Personal History and Legacies
He never married or fathered children throughout his life. He suffered a mild heart attack on February 24, 1992, and doctors advised him to undergo a heart bypass. A week later, his kidneys failed and he died on April 20 of that year at the age of 68.
He was discovered dead on his armchair in his flat. He had succumbed to his injuries while watching television. He was laid to rest in Southampton’s Hollybrook Cemetery.
Estimated Nert Worth
Benny Hill’s net worth and salary: Benny Hill was an English comedian and actor who died with a net worth of $15 million dollars (adjusting for inflation).
Hill was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England on January 21, 1924. He is best remembered for hosting The Benny Hill Show from 1955 to 1991.
He entered the entertainment industry in 1937, influenced by Jack Benny and Charlie Chaplin, according to legend. He began his acting career after being hired as an assistant stage manager.
Trivia
This English comedian was rumored to have been buried alongside gold jewelry. Following his burial, thieves attempted to dig his grave and steal the jewelry.