Who Is Ronnie Barker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ronnie Barker, born on September 25, 1929, in Bedford, England, passed away in 2005. As of 2025, he would have been 96 years old. Known for his incredible talent in comedic performances, Barker captivated audiences with his witty writing and memorable characters. He became a household name in the UK through iconic shows like "The Two Ronnies" and "Porridge." His impact on the entertainment industry continues to be celebrated and remembered even decades after his passing.
| Occupation | Business |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1929 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Bedford, Bedfordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 3 October, 2005 |
| Died Place | Adderbury, Oxfordshire, England |
Popularity
Ronnie Barker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific measurements can sometimes be difficult to ascertain concerning individuals who have passed away, Ronnie Barker was known for his charming presence and a distinctive stature typical of his era. It is estimated that he stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight varied throughout his career as he took on diverse roles and embodied different characters, showcasing his transformative abilities as an actor.
In 1987, before Clarence aired and after rejecting Hall's offer of the part of Falstaff in a Royal National Theatre production of Henry IV, Part 1 & 2, Barker retired from show business, aged 58, "at the height of his fame", citing a decline in his own writing quality, lack of ambition and ideas, and a desire to go out on top so as not to damage hi
s legacy, as well as concerns about the state of his heart.
He had decided to retire in 1985 but his decision was kept secret for two years, Corbett being the only one knowing about it. He made his decision public on an appearance on the chat show Wogan.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ronnie Barker was married to his wife, Joy Boulting, for over 50 years until his death in 2005. The couple had three children together: Gary, Larry, and Shelley, who have all carried on the legacy of Baldwin's humor and creativity. Throughout his life, Barker shared a close bond with his family, which remained a cornerstone of his personal life.
Later television sitcoms such as The Magnificent Evans and Clarence were less successful and he retired in December 1987. The following year, he opened an antiques shop with his wife, Joy. After 1999, he appeared in smaller, non-comic roles in films. He died of heart failure on 3 October 2005, aged 76.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ronnie Barker's estimated net worth ranged between £5 million to £10 million, primarily accumulated through his successful career in television, film, and writing. His work on acclaimed shows and participation in numerous comedy projects significantly contributed to his earnings, leaving behind an impressive legacy and wealth.
After a tip-off from Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Barker and Corbett opted to move with their families to Sydney, Australia, in 1979 for the year to exploit a tax loophole and avoid paying the year's income tax.
They performed their stage show for four weeks in Sydney and a further four in Melbourne; because of their existing popularity in Australia and what Corbett termed the Australian audiences' "[comedic] soul that still related to the UK", they made no changes to the routine.
Barker made no other appearances that year and spent his time writing and engaging in recreational activities. Following the show's success, Kerry Packer commissioned a six-episode TV series of The Two Ronnies in Australia for Nine Network.
The show comprised material not yet shown in Australia from The Two Ronnies and new content targeted more towards an Australian audience. They returned for a second series in 1986.
Career, Business and Investments
Barker’s career spanned several decades, and his comedic brilliance won him multiple awards, including BAFTAs. Starting his career in radio, he transitioned into television and became a beloved figure on British screens. He co-created and starred in some of the most popular British shows, including "The Two Ronnies" alongside Ronnie Corbett and "Porridge," a sitcom that garnered immense popularity.
Beyond acting, Barker was also an accomplished writer and invested time in creating scripts for television, seriously adding to his repertoire and establishing him as a leading figure in British comedy.
Barker began acting in Oxford amateur dramatics while working as a bank clerk, having dropped out of higher education. He moved into repertory theatre with the Manchester Repertory Company at Aylesbury and decided he was best suited to comic roles.
He had his first success at the Oxford Playhouse and in roles in the West End including Tom Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound. During this period, he was in the cast of BBC radio and television comedies such as The Navy Lark.
He got his television break with the satirical sketch series The Frost Report in 1966, where he worked with future collaborator Ronnie Corbett. He joined David Frost's production company and starred in ITV shows.
Social Network
While Ronnie Barker was not part of the modern social media landscape, his legacy lives on through various platforms where fans continuously share and celebrate his works. His programs are still viewed and cherished across different generations, allowing new audiences to appreciate his talent.
Soon after, Barker, Corbett and Josephine Tewson performed a sketch about Henry VIII at the 1971 BAFTAs, with Barker playing Henry. The three also had to keep the audience entertained for around eight minutes as the show was stopped because of technical difficulties.
Their performance at the award show impressed the BBC's Head of Light Entertainment Bill Cotton and Controller of BBC1, Paul Fox, who were sitting in the audience.
Not knowing they were both essentially unemployed, although still contracted to Paradine, Cotton signed the duo up for their own show together, and a series each on their own; he later joked he "must have offered them too much money." Barker and Corbett wished to avoid being remembered primarily as a duo, and felt they could not work in the same wa
y as a conventional double act like Morecambe and Wise, and so each maintained their solo careers as well.
They each were given a one-off variety special; Barker's, called The Ronnie Barker Yearbook, featured a sketch for each month of the year although, because of time constraints, the first two had to be cut. Barker also reprised his character Lord Rustless in the sitcom His Lordship Entertains in 1972.
Barker wrote all seven episodes, now using the pseudonym Jonathan Cobbald. Their show together was The Two Ronnies, a sketch show which aired for twelve series and eight specials between 1971 and 1987, to immediate success.
The show, as described by Anthony Hayward of The Independent, was "a cocktail of comedy sketches, playlets, songs and parodies, a long-winded Corbett monologue and a singing star, sandwiched between the opening and closing news summaries." The usual format consisted of many sketches between the two, an ongoing filmed serial, a solo character sketch
from Barker, Corbett's monologue, a musical number, a special guest, bookended by joke news items, delivered from a desk by the two in the style of newsreaders, before ending with the catchphrase "It's good night from me – and it's good night from him."
Education
Barker's journey in arts began early, and while he did not pursue formal higher education, he developed his skills through experience in theater and performing arts. His understanding and love for comedy were evident from a young age, eventually leading to a robust career in entertainment.
In conclusion, Ronnie Barker remains a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, his contributions to comedy and television celebrated even years after he left us. His life story continues to inspire countless individuals in the industry today.
Barker grew up in the Florence Park area of Oxford, and went to Donnington Junior School, and then the City of Oxford High School for Boys. His chemistry textbook at Oxford had previously been used by T. E. Lawrence. He found his talent for humour at school and developed his musical ability by singing in the choir at St James's, his local church.
He got into the sixth form a year early after gaining the School Certificate but he felt what he was learning would be of no use to him in later life and so left as soon as he could.
