Steptoe and Son writer, Simpson dies

[Englishboy]

Alan Simpson of writing duo Galton and Simpson has died at the age of 87, his manager has said.

The pair created sitcoms including Hancock's Half Hour and Steptoe and Son.

Simpson had undergone a "long battle with lung disease", manager Tessa Le Bars said.

Ray Galton's family said there were "no words" to express their feelings at the death of "Ray's partner and family friend over the last 70 years".

Simpson and Galton met at Milford Sanatorium in Surrey as teenagers, having both been diagnosed with tuberculosis, and started writing for the hospital's radio station.

They went on to write television, film and stage scripts for stars including Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter and Frankie Howerd.

The pair were honoured with a BAFTA fellowship last year and had been made OBEs in 2000.

Bafta said it was "deeply saddened "at the news of Simpson's death.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38906672

 

[Mel O'Drama]

I can highly recommend The Galton & Simpson Playhouse to anyone interested in seeing some varied G&S scripts performed by the cream of British character actors.

Confession: I've never listened to or watched any Hancock's Half Hours. This must be rectified.

 

[Swami]

Another sad loss. One of the great TV writing partnerships in British TV history.

Swami

 

[Barbara Fan]

I remember when i was a young girl there was an epiosde when Steptoe dropped his jar of pickled onions in the bath
it made me chuckle, also the one where he taught harold to dance but it was the womans part

and i always remember Ive been missled and poloponies

There was a touch of poignancy and sadness about Steptoe and son, and they were never winners

 

[Swami]

I remember when i was a young girl there was an epiosde when Steptoe dropped his jar of pickled onions in the bath
it made me chuckle, also the one where he taught harold to dance but it was the womans part

and i always remember Ive been missled and poloponies

There was a touch of poignancy and sadness about Steptoe and son, and they were never winners

Another great episode was the one where Harold decides to get a waterbed!

Swami