Benny Hill

1924 - 1992
LocationSouthampton, Hampshire, England, Uk
Age68 years
Cause of DeathNatural Causes
Date of Birth21/01/1924
Date of Death19/04/1992
Visitors1,752 since 09/03/2006
Creator

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.


Recent Gifts

Recent Tributes


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A very funny man everyone loved to bits

Lynne Heal February 2, 2009

Great Britains Benny Hill....

benny hill will never ever be replaced he was a great entertainer.please take care of laura ashworth from bradford benny,she likes a good laugh,we lost laura early this year in march she was only 21 she not only left us but olso left macie her beutiful little girl now 3 years old.laura would come to our house on a weekend to get ready to go clubbing with the girls,benny would have loved them,they all used to ware tue tues all in different colours,the reminded me of hills angels.thanks for all those great memories benny hill..........yakerty sax.

Angie And Allen Murch October 30, 2008

Benny

Hi benny, i've added a photo of my dad lots of people said he looked like you, he was just as funny as you were.
he was also a great fan of yours.
RIP Bennyxxxxxxxx

Lynda Procter (passer- by) August 31, 2007
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