Benny Hill

Alfred Hawthorn Hill (January 21, 1924 - April 18, 1992), usually known as Benny Hill was a prolific comic British actor / singer, best known for his television programme, The Benny Hill Show. Since its debut in 1955 it has been reported that his Television show has literally been seen by billions of people the world over.

Hill was born in Southampton. After leaving school, Hill worked variously as a milkman, bridge operator, driver and drummer, before he finally got a foot in the door of the entertainment industry by becoming an assistant stage manager. For the stage he changed his first name to "Benny", in homage to his favourite comedian Jack Benny.

Benny worked compulsively and had only a few friends, although colleagues who knew him closely insist that he was never lonely, but was content with his own company. He never married, although he did propose to two women, one the daughter of a British writer, and was rejected by both. He never owned his own home, nor even a car, instead preferring to rent a small flat in Teddington, a convenient walking distance to the Teddington Studios, where he taped his show. He was a left-handed relative of the Australian actress and singer Holly Valance.

Hill's health began declining in the early 1990s. Weighing 17 stone (238 lb or 108kg) at 5 ft 101 in tall, he suffered heart problems related to his obesity. On 11 February 1992, doctors told him that he needed to lose 28 lb, and recommended a heart bypass. He declined, and was diagnosed a week later with renal failure. Benny died "on or about 20 April", alone in his flat, at the age of 68. The cause of death was listed as coronary thrombosis. Following a foul smell, neighbours found his body on 20 April sitting in an armchair. (His death closely coincided with that of another British comedy icon, Frankie Howerd, who died on 19 April aged 75.)

Hill's will had left his estimated L10 million (GBP) estate to his late parents. Next in line were his brother and sister, Leonard and Diana, neither of whom he had enjoyed the closest of relationships with and both of whom were also deceased. This left his seven nieces and nephews, amongst whom the money—approximately L7.5 million—was divided. A note was found among his belongings assigning huge sums of money to his close friends Sue Upton, Louise English, Henry McGee, Bob Todd and Dennis Kirkland, but because it was neither signed nor witnessed, the note had no legal standing.

He was buried near his birthplace in Southampton. In October 1992, following rumours that he was buried with large amounts of gold jewellery, an attempt was made by thieves to exhume his body.