Robert McKenna MBE (24 December 1933 – 20 July 2009) was an English comedian, better known by his stage name Bobby Knoxall.[1]

Bobby Knoxall
Birth nameRobert McKenna
Born(1933-12-24)24 December 1933
Sunderland, England
Died20 July 2009(2009-07-20) (aged 75)
Sunderland, England
NationalityBritish

Early life

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Knoxall was born in the East End of Sunderland in 1933 and attended St Patrick's School. Illiterate after being expelled from two schools by the age of 12, he obtained a job as a barrow boy selling fruit.[2][3]

Career

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Although he was mainly known in North East England, he also toured. He appeared with a group of rock 'n' roll dancers in London, before becoming a vocalist and turning his patter between songs into a comedy act.[2] He became a cabaret star appearing alongside the likes of Johnny Mathis, Roy Orbison and Louis Armstrong.[3] He also became popular in Africa and the Middle East, appearing on bills with Ella Fitzgerald and José Feliciano.[2]

Knoxall recorded Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Final record, "Sunderland All the Way".[2] He quit performing owing to ill-health, but made a comeback in 2002.[3] He received an MBE for services to entertainment and charity in 2004.[4] It is estimated he raised at least £1million for charity during his 50-plus years on the stage.[5] His autobiography, Stand Up!, was released in 2003.[6]

Knoxall, who suffered from liver and kidney problems, died in July 2009 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Robert McKenna". Gone Too Soon website. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d Tim Booler and Jessica Forster (21 July 2009). "Comic legend Bobby Knoxall dies". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 27 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d "End of a North-East legend". Chortle. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  4. ^ "Honours for Wearside community". BBC News. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
  5. ^ Bobby - the dazzling 'clown prince' of charity. Sunderland Echo. 22 July 2009. p. 6.
  6. ^ "Comic writes life story". Northern Echo. 29 September 2003. Retrieved 22 July 2009.