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William John Owen Rowbotham MBE (born 14th March 1914 in Middlesex, died 12th July 1999 in Westminster, London) appeared on Coronation Street in June 1971 as retired militant Trade Unionist Charlie Dickinson.

He achieved major national popularity thanks to his 26-year stint playing scruffy Compo Simmonite in the BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine. His other credits include roles in Sherlock Holmes, Taxi!, Emergency-Ward 10, Coppers End and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?.

On stage, he appeared in productions of The Threepenny Opera, Mister Venus, Break-out, Love Locked Out, My Fair Lady, Son of Oblomov, The Matchgirls, Queenie, In Celebration, The Long Voyage Home, Candleford and The March on Russia.

He was the special guest on the edition of This Is Your Life, transmitted on 7th January 1981.

Bill was awarded the MBE in 1976 in recognition for his work for the National Association of Boys Clubs and for his role as chairman of the Performing Arts Advising Panel. He was also awarded an honorary degree by Bradford University in 1998.

He passed away from pancreatic cancer aged 85, while still a regular cast member of Last of the Summer Wine.

Roles in Coronation Street[]

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