My Hero: Ben Miller On Tony Hancock
Comedian Ben Miller explores the work of one of his greatest inspirations, sitcom legend Tony Hancock
- Genre
- Documentary
- Broadcast
- 2013
- Channel
- BBC One
- Episodes
- 1
- Features
- Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong, John Fisher, Zoe Bagley, Margaret Cooper, Sidi Scott, Steve Hewlett, Ray Galton and others
- Director
- Mary Crisp
- Producer
- Mary Crisp
Ben Miller, best known as one half of comedy duo Armstrong & Miller, investigates Tony Hancock, one of his greatest inspirations and comedy heroes.
One of the biggest comedy stars of the 1950s and 60s, Hancock made his name on radio in Educating Archie before achieving super-stardom in his own sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour.
The show later transferred to television, cementing Hancock's star status, giving sitcom some of its most celebrated episodes ever. However, Tony had a dark side, and his comedy genius would come to an untimely end in 1968. Whilst touring Australia, he committed suicide at the tragically young age of 44.
Charting Hancock's rise from amateur comedian in Bournemouth to stardom in radio, television and film, Miller discovers a restless perfectionist whose comic gifts were matched only by his talent for self-destruction.
Featuring classic clips from Hancock's Half Hour, interviews with collaborators and friends, rare photographs and archive, and Ben's own personal favourite Hancock moments, the film is a tribute to one of Britain's best-loved stars.
- Production company
- Laugh track
- None
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Tuesday 27th August 2013 on BBC One at 10:35pm
- Episode length
- 1 hour
- Last repeat
- Tuesday 27th August 2013 at 11:35pm on BBC1 Scot