News Saturday, April 2, 2016
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Ashburton Guardian
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... and it’s goodbye from Ronnie C British actor and comedian Ronnie Corbett has died at the age of 85, his publicist says. “Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation’s best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” a statement from his publicist said early yesterday. “They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time.” Corbett was best known for his television show The Two Ronnies, co-starring the late Ronnie Barker. Corbett was a highly versatile comedian who was just as much at home doing stand-up comedy (although usually sitting down) on his own, or sitcom characters, as he was with his famous partner Ronnie B. His long professional association with Barker produced one of the most popular TV programmes of the late 20th century until Barker’s retirement in the mid-1980s, after it had run for 12 series. The Two Ronnies, which ran from 1971 to 1987, invariably ended with the two saying: “It’s goodnight from me ... and it’s goodnight from him.” When on his own, Corbett specialised in long, rambling jokes delivered from an outsize armchair with his legs dangling in the air. The punchline came after the
Left – Ronnie Corbett, an English comedy institution. Below – Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker.
beginning had long been forgotten, so many twists and turns were there in the telling along the way. Ronald Balfour Corbett was born in Edinburgh on December 4, 1930. He was educated at the James Gillespie School and the Royal High School, Edinburgh.
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Best jokes Some of Ronnie Corbett’s best jokes: ■ “French wine growers fear that this year’s vintage may be entirely spoiled due to the grape treaders’ sit-in.” ■ “A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the Kingston by-pass. Motorists are asked to be on the look-out for 16 hardened criminals.”
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“We will be talking to an out-of-work contortionist who says he can no longer make ends meet.” “All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my right hand.” “This is a message for seven honeymoon couples in a hotel in Peebles: Breakfast was served three days ago.” “A man was marooned on a desert island. One day a beautiful woman arrives in a wetsuit. ‘When did you last have a smoke?’ she asks. ‘Five years ago.’ So she gets out a cigar and he smokes it. She unzips her wetsuit a bit and says, ‘When did you last have a drink?’ He said, ‘Five years
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ago.’ So she gets out a bottle of Scotch and he has a drink. Then she unzips her wetsuit a bit more and says, ‘And when was the last time you played around?’ He looks at her in amazement and says: ‘You’re not telling me you’ve got a set of golf clubs in there?’” “There was a fire at the main Inland Revenue office in London today, but it was put out before any serious good was done.” “A juggernaut of onions has shed its load all over the M1. Motorists are advised to find a hard shoulder to cry on.” – PA
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TRIBUTES FROM STARS Russell Crowe led the tributes to late star Ronnie Corbett. Following the tragic news that the legendary comedian had passed away surrounded by his “loving family”, celebrities from all fields were quick to offer their condolences and share their memories of the diminutive star. Gladiator star Russell used one of Corbett’s most famous catchphrases in his tribute, writing on Twitter.com: “And it’s good night from Ronnie Corbett. Thanks for all the laughs mate.” Fawlty Towers star John Cleese also paid tribute to his “mentor” in an emotional post: “Just heard about Ronnie C. So sad. “He had the best timing I’ve ever watched. He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion.” Flight of the Conchords star Jemaine Clement cited his favourite Corbett joke in his condolence message, writing: “Aw man. RIP Ronnie Corbett. Favourite joke: sign on fortune teller’s caravan ‘closed due to unforeseen circumstances’.” – WENN