Although most famous for his role in Red Dwarf (1988), which made him a cult figure, he admits that he has never been a science-fiction fan.
Was 32 years old when he entered stand-up comedy.
In 1984 he teamed up with Paul Merton to write a script for a TV program. It was never made but in his autobiography Merton said that working with him was invaluable experience.
Was born in Windsor but grew up in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.
He voiced a line in a TV commercial for Sugar Puffs in the 1980s which starred Josephine Tewson as a teacher, with whom he later had a brief scene in an episode of Keeping Up Appearances.