A movie buff and collector of many rare films. Was particularly fond of the horror genre and was very knowledgeable on the subject. Once said that his favorite film was Vincent Price's Dragonwyck (1946). He was also Honorary President of the long running Gothique Film Society during the 1960s and 1970s.
Attended Dulwich College
Bob died of prostate cancer in 2003. Yet in 2007 he made a "comeback", appearing in a new TV campaign advertising a prostate cancer charity. The ad, made with the blessing of his widow, blends footage of Monkhouse with that of a body double then adds CGI manipulation of his face to match what is being spoken by a sound-alike.
Comedian
First port-of-call for American comedians visiting London, starting with Bob Hope, when they wanted topical gags.
He was a collector of the illustrations of Frank Bellamy and had a room displaying his artwork.
He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the British Empire) in 1993 for his services to entertainment.
Married twice, with three children from his first wife: Gary, Simon and adopted daughter Abigail Williams.
Much in demand up until his death as an after-dinner speaker.
Two of his three children had predeceased him. His son Gary, who had cerebral palsy, died in 1992. His other son, Simon, died in a Bangkok hotel room from a heroin overdose in 2001. Father and son had been estranged for almost a decade.
Vocal supporter of the Conservative Party for many years.
Was the original choice for the cameo role of The Tollmaster in Doctor Who and Delta and The Bannerman.
Wrote material for many famous comedians including Bob Hope.