John Comer

Biography

John Comer (died 1984) was a celebrated British comic actor renowned for his memorable performances on television. He is best known for his roles in popular series such as *I Didn't Know You Cared*, *Last of the Summer Wine*, and *All Our Saturdays*.

Hailing from Stretford, Lancashire, Comer initially embarked on an engineering apprenticeship at Metropolitan-Vickers in Trafford Park. However, his passion for comedy led him to entertain audiences in local social clubs and pubs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. In 1952, he and his younger brother Tony showcased their talents in a children's theatre production for local schools, eventually forming a comedic duo known as the Comer Brothers.

The brothers gained recognition in 1957 with their variety act, *Comer's Cottage*, at the Manchester Apollo. Their big break came in 1958 when they participated in the ITV talent show *Bid for Fame*, subsequently working at Butlin's holiday camps. Their victory in the 1959 Butlin's National Talent Contest earned them £1,000 and a film contract with the Boulting Brothers.

This contract led to their casting in the 1959 film *I’m All Right Jack*, alongside notable actors like Peter Sellers and Richard Attenborough. After a successful stint in cinema, including the 1961 film *A Taste of Honey*, Tony left the entertainment industry, while John continued his career. He appeared in the Boulting Brothers' *The Family Way* (1967) and secured a prominent role as Sid in the 1973 BBC sitcom *Last of the Summer Wine*. Comer also featured in a well-known advertising campaign for Home Brew Beer and played Bill Malley in the BBC series *Murder Most English* in 1977.