bill owen character in last of the summer wine
Bill Owen (actor) William John Owen Rowbotham, MBE (14 March 1914 â€“ 12 July 1999), known professionally as Bill Owen, was an English actor and songwriter. He was the father of actor Tom Owen. He is best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the Yorkshire based BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine for 27 years. He died in July 1999, his last appearance on-screen being shown in April 2000.