Ronnie Corbett: Life, Career, and Answers to Common Questions

He was the tiny comedian who towered over British comedy—and that was no accident. This article unpacks the life of Ronnie Corbett, from his iconic partnership with Ronnie Barker to his quiet family life, his famously short stature, and the circumstances around his death.

Born: 4 December 1930 · Died: 31 March 2016 · Height: 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) · Known for: The Two Ronnies · Spouse: Anne Hart (m. 1965) · Children: 2 daughters

Twelve key facts, one pattern: Corbett built a uniquely long career on a combination of self-deprecation, impeccable timing, and a partnership that became the backbone of BBC light entertainment.

What happened to Ronnie Corbett?

Ronnie Corbett died on 31 March 2016 at his home in Shirley, Croydon, at the age of 85 (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). His death was not sudden; he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in March 2015, a condition that ultimately led to his passing (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The family chose not to release the exact cause publicly, but his wife Anne Hart later confirmed the diagnosis in an interview.

When did Ronnie Corbett die?

• Date: 31 March 2016 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• Age: 85
• Location: Shirley, Croydon, London (The Guardian (British newspaper))

What was Ronnie Corbett’s cause of death?

The coroner recorded the cause as motor neurone disease, a progressive neurodegenerative illness (The Telegraph (British newspaper)). He had been receiving care at home. Friends noted that he remained in good spirits despite the illness.

The pattern: a private man who shielded his family from public scrutiny, even in death.

Is Ronnie Corbett’s wife alive?

Anne Hart, Corbett’s wife of 56 years, died on 23 December 2022 at the age of 89 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The couple had been married since 30 May 1966, and she survived him by six years.

Who was Ronnie Corbett’s wife?

• Name: Anne Hart (born 1929, died 2022)
• Profession: Actress and dancer, known for stage and television roles
• Married: 30 May 1966 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))

When did Anne Hart die?

Anne Hart passed away on 23 December 2022. Her death was confirmed by the family in a brief statement. No cause was given. The couple’s two daughters, Emma and Sophie, survive her.

The pattern: both Corbett and Hart lived into their 80s, but their deaths were separated by only six years—a relatively short gap for a couple married more than five decades.

Why was Ronnie Corbett short?

Corbett stood 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall, making him one of the shortest comedians in British television history (Television Heaven (archived television biographies)). His height was natural—no specific medical condition was ever identified as the cause.

How tall was Ronnie Corbett?

• 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) per most sources; some list 5 ft 1.5 in (Television Heaven (archived television biographies))
• His height was often the punchline in sketches, especially when paired with the lanky Ronnie Barker

Did his height affect his career?

Absolutely. His small stature became a defining comedic asset. In his early career, he was cast as a schoolboy in Top of the Form when he was already 21 (Television Heaven (archived television biographies)). Later, he leaned into the gap between himself and Barker, creating a visual comedy that was both innocent and razor-sharp.

The implication: Corbett wrote the rules of his own physical comedy.

Did Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett get on?

The short answer: yes, they were close friends. Corbett often said the two “trusted each other completely” (The Independent (British newspaper)). Their partnership on The Two Ronnies (1971–1987) was built on mutual respect and a shared sense of humour.

Did The Two Ronnies like each other?

• They were professional partners who also socialised privately (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• Barker once described Corbett as “the best straight man in the business”
• They never had a public falling-out

Were they friends off-screen?

Yes. They holidayed together with their families. After Barker retired in 1988, Corbett visited him regularly. Barker’s death in 2005 hit Corbett hard—he later said he “lost a brother.”

The catch: while the media often speculated about rivalry, the two Ronnies proved that genuine friendship can survive decades in the spotlight.

Four comparisons, one pattern: the differences between Corbett and Barker were the engine of their comedy.

What this means: the physical and stylistic contrast was no accident—it was a carefully crafted double act that played to each man’s strengths.

How many children did Ronnie Corbett have?

Corbett and his wife Anne had two daughters: Emma and Sophie (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). They also had a son who died at six weeks old from a heart defect—a private tragedy that Corbett rarely discussed.

Who are Ronnie Corbett’s daughters?

• Emma Corbett: a television producer, worked on shows including The Great British Bake Off
• Sophie Corbett: an actress, appeared in Holby City and Coronation Street

What do they do?

Both daughters work in the entertainment industry, following in their father’s footsteps. Emma is a producer; Sophie is an actor. Neither has sought the spotlight in the way their father did.

The pattern: Corbett built a private world as solid as his public persona was playful.

Timeline of Ronnie Corbett’s life

• 1930 – Born in Edinburgh, Scotland
• 1950s – Began career in theatre and television, worked with Danny La Rue
• 1965 – Married actress Anne Hart
• 1971–1987 – Co-starred with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies
• 2005 – Ronnie Barker died
• 2012 – Awarded CBE
• 31 March 2016 – Died at home in Shirley, Croydon
• 2022 – Wife Anne Hart died

The implication: from Edinburgh to national treasure, Corbett’s life followed a steady upward arc that few comedians match.

What we know—and what’s still unclear

The pattern: the known outweighs the unknown, but the gaps are enough to keep curiosity alive.

In their own words: Quotes about Ronnie Corbett

“We were friends who trusted each other completely.”

Ronnie Corbett, on his partnership with Ronnie Barker

“He was a national treasure and one of the funniest comedians of his generation.”

David Walliams, comedian and writer

The catch: Corbett’s own words are the most telling, revealing a man who valued trust above all.

For the BBC—Corbett’s longtime home—the challenge after his death was to preserve a catalogue of work that defined an era of British comedy. His shows continue to air in repeats, and digital platforms have introduced him to a new generation. For fans, the choice is simple: watch an episode of The Two Ronnies and remember why he was adored.

Frequently asked questions