In the entertainment world, Ken Dodd was a name synonymous with laughter as the comedian was a master of choppy ribs with his wild-looking hair and buck teeth. Dodd had a long career that spanned over five decades and his ability to stay upright during his shows was also a standout trait.
Get all the facts about this comic legend as you read.
Who was Ken Dodd?
Ken Dodd was born in Knotty Ash, a district of Liverpool, on an old farmhouse, where he eventually spent the rest of his life. His date of birth is recorded as November 8, 1927, and he was the second child of his parents Arthur and Sarah. Ken’s older brother is called William and he has a younger sister named June. During his childhood, Ken is said to have joined the choir at his local church in Knotty Ash. He is said to have attended Knotty Ash School, after which he went to Holt High School in Liverpool. However, Ken Dodd did not complete his studies as he had to leave to join his father in his work as a coal merchant.
During the time he worked with his father, Ken became interested in show business, especially after seeing an advertisement about becoming a ventriloquist labeled Fool Your Teachers, Astonish Your Friends. As a teenager, he would entertain people in the orphanage and at events organized for the general public. At 18, Ken Dodd got a van he could use to tour the clubs he wanted to do comedies in.
Career
Sir Ken’s comedy career kicked off completely in 1954 with a masterful show business where he played Professor Yaffle Chucklebutty in the Nottingham Empire. He also performed in different theaters in the UK during this period. The following year, Ken Dodd starred in Let’s Have Fun, at the big seaside resort in England called Blackpool where he got the top spot for the first time. Subsequently, he recorded 1500 jokes in three and a half hours at the Royal Court Theatre. This account was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in the 1960s.
Ken Dodd eventually became popular in music halls, television and radio, particularly for his humor. He mixed acting and singing and developed a tune called “Happiness” in 1964. It’s safe to say that Ken’s humorous baritone voice and ventriloquism endeared him to many.
Was he married with wife and children?
The comedian was the first to date Anita Butin for 24 years, but their relationship came to a sad end when she died of a brain tumor in 1977, at the age of 45. After his death, Ken Dodd met the pretty bluebell dancer, Anne Jones, at a show she performed during the 1961 Christmas period at Manchester Opera House. home. The two not only had a romantic relationship, but also became business partners, as she starred alongside Ken in his shows. The lovebirds started living together and tried to have children, but they couldn’t. It is understood that Anne took fertility treatments and even had a round of IVF, but to no avail.
Sir Ken married Anne at his home in Knotty Ash on March 9, 2018, 40 years after their relationship began. Rumor has it that the comedy legend should have legalized his relationship with Anne in order to prevent his fortune from ending up in the hands of the tax collector.
What was his net worth?
This talented comedian reportedly had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death and his earnings are all proceeds from his work as an artist.
However, in 1989 Ken faced what seemed like a career hurdle as he was sued in court for tax evasion, spanning a period of 15 years. The case revealed that he never paid the children who accompanied him under the name Diddy. It was also learned that Ken Dodd only had a small amount of money in his bank account and most of his money was in different parts of his house and suitcase. The case was taken by Brian Leveson while George Carman represented Ken. The case lasted about three weeks, following which Ken was exonerated and his career continued.
Ken Dodd broke through at the LondonPalladium was honored with the British Comedy Lifetime Achievement Award and recently he was named a Knight of the New Year’s Award 2017 for his services to entertainment and charity.
Dead
The famous entertainer turned 90 in November 2017 and celebrated with joy, two weeks earlier he had spent six weeks in hospital with a chest infection. The comedian appeared to be doing well upon his return from the hospital and even commented on his return to performing. Moreso, Ken claimed to have written new jokes while in hospital
However, the comedy legend passed on at the start on March 11, 2018 to be precise. Although gone, Ken Dodd is still remembered for his hilarious nature and his contribution to entertainment would always be cherished.