Quick Facts
Biography
Ken Goodwin (7 April 1933 – 18 February 2012) was an English comedian, singer and musician best known for his performances on the ITV Televisions show The Comedians.
Early life
He was born William Kenneth Unwin in Manchester, Lancashire. His father was a stoker. While he was still a child, his mother walked out on the family – an experience he blamed for his insecurity and shyness. His father died from cancer when Unwin was 15.
Career
Goodwin was a great fan of George Formby. He did various jobs and started performing in working men's clubs, telling jokes and playing the ukulele. He then performed on the Royal Variety Show in 1971 and in a summer season at the London Palladium, before his television break on Opportunity Knocks followed by The Comedians. He also appeared on BBC TVs The Good Old Days.
He was famous for his giggle and catchphrase, "settle down now" which he used a lot on The Comedians.
Marriages
Ken married his first wife, Pat Earith in 1956 she fell ill in 1974 Ken abandoned his career to care for her until her death in 1977 they were married for 21 years. His second marriage was to singer and dancer Vicki Lane until his death in 2012.
Death
He died on 18 February 2012 of Alzheimer's disease in a home in Rhos-on-Sea, North Wales having lived in nearby Llandudno since his retirement.