The Forgotten Heroes of Comedy

This is a book unlike any other I have read. We all remember the famous comedians of yesteryear and we even remember the things they starred in. The lesser-known ones that, missed out in one way or another are all documented in this really interesting read.

Do you remember growing up in the 1970s? Dick Emery was the most famous comedian on British television. His shows would attract millions of viewers. Now, those shows are never repeated. What about Larry Semon? How about little Jimmy Clitheroe?

In this long overdue and affectionate salute, celebrated comedy historian Robert Ross pays tribute to some of the finest, funniest and most fascinating names in comedy – from both sides of the Atlantic. 

With an introductory piece by Monty Python pioneer Terry Jones, this book will enthral and enlighten the most die-hard of comedy admirers.

Delving into the careers of the beguiling Avril Angers, the forgotten Stooge Shemp Howard,

Hollywood golden girl Thelma Todd, Italian film-maker Mario Zampi and many more between — Ross honours these legends of humour who, for a variety of reasons, didn’t quite reach the heady heights of stardom – or, once they did, they couldn’t cope with the pressures.

Whether it is a favourite from the distant smoke-and ale-stained world of the Music Hall like the great George Robey, or the downbeat poetry of Hovis Presley, who dropped disenchanted bombs on the late 1990s the Forgotten Heroes of Comedy will finally elevate them to the Hall of Fame where they belong. Forgotten, no longer.

A book packed with names, quite a few that I didn’t recognise or know. I was born in ’71, so I grew up with Morecambe & Wise, the Carry On crew, people of that calibre. I still love comedy so when I saw this book invite, I fancied seeing who was on this list. It is a large book and by that I mean over 600 pages, the amount of research Robert Ross has put into this book must be almost endless! With facts of long-forgotten comedians and exactly what happened, or didn’t, in their careers. I enjoyed just reading a few at a time and I am sure this book will appeal to people of my parent’s ages also.

I was surprised to see a certain comedian in the book, as I can remember him still, it was great to read about his career and what happened. This book isn’t just facts and dates either, there are replicas of the old posters and pictures too, I certainly enjoyed looking through them too.

This is a perfect final salute I suppose you could say, to the comedy heroes who would normally be confined to the archives of the past. Maybe some of these heroes will be remembered by some of the older generation if they read this book, and they deserve to be.

I am so glad I have been able to play a tiny part in this book’s journey. I do hope that it flies as the comedians of the past should be remembered.

Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Unbound for the copy of the book.