Steve Brown, the prolific comedy composer, has died
- Steve Brown, who composed music for many comedy TV, radio and live shows, has died of fibrosis lung disease
- Brown most frequently collaborated with Harry Hill. The comedian previously labelled him "the best kept secret in showbiz"
- In 1994, Brown memorably appeared on screen as bandleader Glenn Ponder in Knowing Me, Knowing You... With Alan Partridge
Steve Brown, the composer behind the music heard on many comedy productions, has died of lung disease aged 66.
TV viewers will remember him as bandleader Glenn Ponder from Knowing Me, Knowing You... With Alan Partridge, but he mainly worked behind-the-scenes on TV, radio and live comedy shows as a composer, lyricist, arranger and record producer.
His collaborations include working alongside Steve Coogan, Lenny Henry, Lee Mack, Ant & Dec (for whom he wrote Wonky Donkey), Rory Bremner and Harry Hill.
His recent TV composing credits include Not Going Out, The Goes Wrong Show and Harry Hill's Lonely Island. His CV also contains formats such as Fantasy Football, Dead Ringers and The Sketch Show. He was also script writer, as well as composer, for Spitting Image.
His agent Vivienne Clore posted on social media today: "Devastated to share the news that our much loved client Steve Brown has passed away. Sod fibrosis lung disease."
The agency notes: "Steve had a long-term working friendship with Harry Hill completing several UK tours and providing all music on TV Burp, The All New Harry Hill Show, Alien Fun Capsule and Tea Time. He also composed songs and score for The Harry Hill Movie". Hill himself has previously dubbed Brown as "the best kept secret in showbiz".
Brown's theatre credits include Spend Spend Spend, I Can't Sing, It's A Wonderful Life, Magic Goes Wrong, Mind Mangler and Alan Partridge Stratagem.
The producers of Tony! The Tony Blair Rock Opera comment: "We are deeply saddened to hear that our wonderful composer Steve Brown has passed away. A musical and comedy legend who brought joy to so many people through his genius writing. Thank you Steve for all the laughter - we shall miss you."
Although mainly known for composing, Brown has also acted in comedy shows. Most notably, he appeared as put-upon bandleader Glenn Ponder in the classic 1994 TV series Knowing Me, Knowing You... With Alan Partridge. Brown started appearing in shows in the 1980s, with roles in radio comedies such as In One Ear and Week Ending.
Brown has two sons, stand-up comedian Alfie Brown and musician Lenny Brown, from his first marriage to Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens. In 2010 he remarried, to actor Deborah Cornelius.
Below is a video of Alan Partridge interacting with Glenn Ponder: