| Bobby Knoxall | |
| Birth Name: | Robert McKenna |
| Birth Date: | 24 December 1933 |
| Birth Place: | Sunderland, England |
| Death Place: | Sunderland, England |
| Nationality: | British |
Robert McKenna MBE (24 December 1933 – 20 July 2009) was an English comedian, better known by his stage name Bobby Knoxall.[1]
Knoxall was born in the East End of Sunderland in 1933 and attended St Patrick's School. Illiterate after being expelled from two schools by the age of 12, he obtained a job as a barrow boy selling fruit.[2] [3]
Although he was mainly known in North East England, he also toured. He appeared with a group of rock 'n' roll dancers in London, before becoming a vocalist and turning his patter between songs into a comedy act.[2] He became a cabaret star appearing alongside the likes of Johnny Mathis, Roy Orbison and Louis Armstrong.[3] He also became popular in Africa and the Middle East, appearing on bills with Ella Fitzgerald and José Feliciano.[2]
Knoxall recorded Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Final record, "Sunderland All the Way".[2] He quit performing owing to ill-health, but made a comeback in 2002.[3] He received an MBE for services to entertainment and charity in 2004.[4] It is estimated he raised at least £1million for charity during his 50-plus years on the stage.[5] His autobiography, Stand Up!, was released in 2003.[6]
Knoxall, who suffered from liver and kidney problems, died in July 2009 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.[3]