~ ~ KENNETH ARTHUR DODD ~ ~

(1927-  )

Kenneth Arthur Dodd was born on 8th November 1927 in a farmhouse in the Merseyside village of Knotty Ash. He was born to Sarah Dodd, a housewife, and her husband Arthur, who was a coal merchant.

Ken became interested in theatre at a very early age. He joined both the Knotty Ash School Choir and the choir at his local church. At the young age of seven, some of Ken's fellow pupils from his school in Knotty Ash dared him to ride his bicycle with his eyes shut. He fell off his bike into the gutter, and this gave him the famous buck teeth which he has today.

However, it was one of Doddy's favourite comics which was the main reason for becoming a comedian. On the back of a comic, he saw an advert reading - 'Fool your teachers, amaze your friends! Send in 6d in stamps and become a ventriloquist!'

Doddy first became famous as a singer in the 1950s and 1960s. As well as doing a bit of comedy during these decades, he sang two separate songs in 1964 which came right to the top of the charts. His single 'Tears' went to the top of the charts, and his famous song 'Happiness' came second.

In the 1960s, Ken was given a radio show, very fittingly called 'The Ken Dodd Show'. This was when his famous Diddymen were invented.

Ken later began doing more work for television. Over time, Ken became one of Britain's most well-known comedians ever. 

However, in 1989, Ken Dodd was charged with tax evasion. He had very little money in his bank account and thousands and thousands of pounds were found in suitcases in his attic. After a long ordeal, Ken was released and he, thankfully, never went to prison. Now, he constantly jokes about his tax case! That's the best way to do it!

In 1994, Ken had the honour of being asked to perform in 'An Audience With..'. Many well-known people attended, such as the late Mollie Sugden, Stephanie Cole, Paul Daniels, Carol Vorderman and the Irish comedian Frank Carson.

Many years on, Ken Dodd is still touring today in 2011. To See our full list of Ken's tour dates, click here. To see an entire list of all Ken Dodd's television credits, click here.