My CV
Hello Chums!
I'm Robert Ross, Britain's Comedy Historian, an author, broadcaster, playwright and lifelong enthusiast for the wonderful world of British comedy.
I've been fortunate enough to turn my childhood passion for film, television and laughter into a career spanning more than 30 years, working with some of the most celebrated names in British entertainment and preserving the stories behind the programmes, performers and films that have made generations laugh.
My professional writing career began in 1995, when my first book, The Carry On Companion, was commissioned. Since then, I've written 30 books celebrating the history of British comedy, including The Monty Python Encyclopedia, The Goodies Rule OK, Forgotten Heroes of Comedy, Sid James: Cockney Rebel and Marty Feldman: The Biography of a Comedy Legend, alongside official BBC celebrations of Fawlty Towers, Steptoe and Son and Last of the Summer Wine.
My more recent publications include Peter Sellers: A Life in Comedy, Seriously Silly: The Life of Terry Jones, and The Carry On Girls, co-written with my wife and fellow author, Gemma Ross. My latest book, How Well Do You Know Classic British Sitcoms? The Ultimate (Unofficial) Quiz Book, published by HarperCollins, celebrates the extraordinary characters, catchphrases and comedy moments that have become part of our national conversation.
As the Official Carry On Historian, I've spent decades researching, documenting and celebrating one of Britain's best-loved film franchises, working closely with many of its stars and creative talents. I've also contributed to numerous documentaries, DVD and Blu-ray releases, providing research, interviews, audio commentaries and historical insight into classic British entertainment.
Away from the writing desk, I regularly take to the stage as a comedy historian, interviewer and guest speaker, sharing stories and memories of the great entertainers. I've hosted events at the BFI, the Cinema Museum and festivals across the country, including the Slapstick Festival, as well as presenting talks and shows aboard cruise ships. My live performances combine affectionate nostalgia, behind-the-scenes revelations and, naturally, plenty of laughter.
I've had the enormous pleasure of interviewing and working with some of my comedy heroes, including
Sir Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Barry Cryer, June Whitfield, Jim Dale, Leslie Phillips and many more
. Every encounter has reinforced my belief that the stories behind the laughter are often every bit as fascinating as the comedy itself.My work also extends to radio and theatre. I have written Doctor Who audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, working with celebrated performers including David Tennant, Colin Baker, Roy Hudd and Leslie Phillips. My stage productions include Screaming Queens!, starring Spitting Image favourites Jessica Martin as Fenella Fielding and Steve Nallon as Kenneth Williams, and Jeepers Creepers, the final theatrical production directed by the legendary Terry Jones.
The wonderful Barry Cryer once described me as 'Britain's Comedy Historian', a title I continue to hold with enormous pride. I am a regular guest on radio and television, with appearances including BBC Breakfast, Front Row, ITV News, Richard & Judy and Blue Peter (yes, I got a badge!).
Whether through books, broadcasting or live performances, my work is driven by one simple ambition: to celebrate the people, programmes and performances that have made us laugh, preserve their extraordinary legacy, and explore why great comedy continues to matter.