Was Compo's real name William because of Bill Owen?

[C W Northrop]

Or was it just a coincidence they shared the same first name?anybody know?

 

[Crusher]

William John Owen Rowbotham was Bill's real name. Son of a London tram driver from Acton.

 

[Ess]

I don't remember knowing just what his name was until 'Going to Gordon's Wedding' when Gordon said that his Uncle Bill would be reserve best man. I may have missed it of course.

 

[Pearl]

I think Compo's name was already in place before Bill Owen was chosen for the part.

 

[Big Unc]

I think Compo's name was already in place before Bill Owen was chosen for the part.

Without time to check my source my recollection of the Andrew Vine book is that only Peter Sallis in the part of Norman Clegg had been envisaged by Roy Clarke. He had reservations about Bill Owen, a Londoner (not sure if he was a Cockney) for the part of Compo and was persuaded by either James Gilbert or whoever was head of BBC Comedy at the time. Of course, strictly speaking it is down to the Producer (sometimes now the Director if not the same person) who is cast.

 

[Big Unc]

Bill Owen, a Londoner (not sure if he was a Cockney)

Certainly not a Cockney and maybe only just a Londoner. Born in Acton which when he was born was in Middlesex.

 

[Chunky Rumblow]

I know Compo mentioned his name was "Willy Simmonite" in "Who's That Dancing with Nora Batty, Then?" As far as I recall that's the earliest indication. Of course I could be lying....