Bob Monkhouse was a household name in British entertainment, famed for his razor-sharp wit, eclectic career, and unmatched charisma. From game shows to stand-up comedy, Monkhouse was a pioneer of post-war British humor and a star who thrived across multiple media platforms. One lingering question that has intrigued fans over time is this—just how much was Bob Monkhouse worth?
This comprehensive look at his life focuses not just on his estimated net worth but also on the wealth of legacy he left behind in comedy, television, and beyond.
Who Was Bob Monkhouse?
Early Life and Start of His Career
Born Robert Alan Monkhouse on June 1, 1928, in Beckenham, Kent, Monkhouse came from a middle-class family. His father, a chartered accountant, hoped Bob would follow a professional path. However, comedy had other plans for him.
Monkhouse’s passion for entertainment began early. While still attending Dulwich College, he started crafting jokes and comic strips, writing for beloved British comics like The Beano and The Dandy. Alongside schoolmate and collaborator Denis Gifford, Monkhouse also ventured into publishing, eventually starting his own company. Even as a teen, Monkhouse displayed the razor-sharp humor that would define his career.
The comedy legend’s big break came after National Service in the Royal Air Force, where a cheeky letter laced with deception earned him an audition with the BBC. By the late 1940s, he had begun making his mark in radio comedy and live performances.
A Multi-Talented Entertainer
Bob Monkhouse wasn’t content with a single path in entertainment. He straddled many roles—comedian, writer, actor, and game show host. His versatility made him one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers for over 50 years.
Early Writing Talent
Monkhouse’s gifts as a writer helped him rise quickly in showbiz. He contributed scripts and jokes to British stars like Arthur Askey and even wrote material for Hollywood royalty such as Bob Hope. Monkhouse wasn’t just any writer; he was revered for his catalog of meticulously organized joke books, spanning 17 volumes of handwritten comedy gold.
Transition Into Television
Television opened a new chapter for Monkhouse in the 1950s. His first hosting role came with Do You Trust Your Wife?, a game show that set the stage for his remarkable TV career.
From the 1960s onward, Monkhouse became synonymous with British entertainment. Shows like The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares, and Bob’s Full House were prime-time favorites that attracted millions of viewers. His charm and quick wit made these game shows unforgettable, and his name became synonymous with high ratings.
Bob Monkhouse’s Career Highlights
Stand-Up Comedy
Monkhouse’s stand-up comedy legacy was unparalleled. Known for his brilliant ad-libbing skills, he was a comedian’s comedian, admired by his peers for his sharpness and delivery. Despite facing criticism for being “too slick,” Monkhouse proved his detractors wrong during his appearances on shows like Have I Got News for You, where his humor shone brighter than ever.
Acting and Films
Though Monkhouse achieved TV fame, he also dabbled in acting. He appeared in films such as Carry on Sergeant (1958) and Dentist in the Chair (1960). Though he turned down chances to be a recurring part of major franchises like the Carry On series, his roles established him as a multifaceted artist.
Game Show Success
Monkhouse became one of Britain’s most prolific—and wealthiest—game show hosts. From Family Fortunes to Wipeout, his smooth hosting style made him a lynchpin of British television. Some of these programs commanded audiences of up to 17 million viewers, cementing Monkhouse’s legacy within the golden era of British TV.
Business Ventures
Bob Monkhouse’s strategic thinking extended beyond performances. He co-founded an independent production house, which he used to produce projects like the syndicated international success Mad Movies. Monkhouse’s investments, coupled with his astute business acumen, significantly boosted his wealth.
What Was Bob Monkhouse’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2003, Bob Monkhouse’s net worth was estimated to be around £4 million. While this figure might seem modest compared to modern celebrities, it’s important to consider that Monkhouse’s income came from an era when entertainers were paid less than they are today.
Sources of Income:
- Television: Hosting game shows and chat shows consistently across decades.
- Stand-Up Comedy: Touring, private functions, and after-dinner speaking engagements.
- Writing and Script Work: Earning royalties and commissions from joke writing and TV scripts.
- Acting: Roles in British and international films.
- Business Ventures: Revenue from the independent production house and sales from the Mad Movies franchise.
This diversification of income ensured Monkhouse’s financial security and reinvention throughout his career.
Beyond Wealth: Bob Monkhouse’s Lasting Legacy
Contributions to British Comedy
Bob Monkhouse wasn’t just a comedian; he was a gatekeeper of British comedy. His extensive joke books, film archive, and mentorship of younger comedians like Jimmy Carr and Peter Kay preserved the art of comedy for future generations. Critics point out how heavily today’s styles of observational and personality-driven humor draw on Monkhouse’s influence.
Philanthropy and Cancer Awareness
When Monkhouse was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001, he began campaigning for cancer awareness. His posthumous appearance in a groundbreaking prosthetic ad, where CGI brought him to life to humorously warn about cancer, was both touching and effective.
The Famous Joke Books
Monkhouse’s 17 volumes of meticulously organized joke books contained jokes, scripts, and stage ideas spanning half a century. They were so highly regarded that their theft in the 1990s was deemed cultural vandalism by fans and comedians alike. They were eventually recovered, highlighting their immense cultural significance.
Conclusion
For those eager to explore Bob Monkhouse’s genius further, documentaries like Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand and The Million Joke Man make for essential viewing. His handwritten joke collections are a treasure trove for comedy aficionados, proving that Monkhouse was not just a performer but a meticulous craftsman of his art.
Bob Monkhouse’s financial achievements pale in comparison to the far richer legacy he left behind—a legacy of laughter, innovation, and generosity that continues to inspire.
FAQs
What Nationality Was Bob Monkhouse?
Bob Monkhouse was English, born in Beckenham, Kent, on June 1, 1928.
Did Bob Monkhouse Have Children?
Yes, Bob Monkhouse had three children. Tragically, his sons, Gary and Simon, both passed away, leaving his adopted daughter, Abigail Monkhouse, as his surviving child.
Is Roger Monkhouse Related to Bob Monkhouse?
No, Roger Monkhouse is unrelated to Bob Monkhouse. Roger is a British stand-up comedian, and the connection between the two is often misassumed due to their shared surname.
