Who was the old man on Benny Hill? All about Jackie Wright

In the uproarious world of Benny Hill’s legendary television programme, one figure stood out not just for his diminutive stature but for the laughter he brought into millions of homes. John Wright, professionally known as Jackie Wright, the bald-headed sidekick of Benny Hill for fifteen unforgettable years, left an indelible mark on the landscape of comedy.

Born on 24 September 1904 in Belfast, Jackie Wright’s journey into the world of entertainment was as unique as his comedic persona. The eighth of twelve children born to George and Agnes Wright, he initially worked as a car body assembler, even venturing to the United States to ply his trade for Cadillac. However, the winds of destiny led him back to Belfast during the Great Depression, where he pivoted towards a career in entertainment, initially as a musician and later as a supporting comedian.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that Wright entered the realm of television, catching the discerning eye of Benny Hill himself. Benny, in the midst of transitioning from the BBC to a long-standing relationship with Thames Television, saw in Wright the perfect foil for his comedic antics. Standing at a mere 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 m) tall, Wright’s bald pate and distinctive Northern Irish accent became invaluable assets to the evolving comedy on the Benny Hill Show.

Hill affectionately referred to him as “Little Jackie” or humorously as “our little Donny Osmond.” The chemistry between Benny Hill and Jackie Wright became a hallmark of the show, with Hill often playfully patting Wright’s bald head in the show’s trademark accelerated-motion scenes, accompanied by exaggerated smacking sounds dubbed in for comedic effect.

Behind the scenes, Suzy Mandel, an actress from the show, revealed a quirky detail about Jackie Wright: “Jackie Wright was a chain smoker, and he would often hide his cigarette in his mouth or behind his back during scenes. In fact, you could often see a little plume of smoke rising behind him if you looked close enough. Benny would slap his head to fan the smoke away.”

Jackie Wright’s comedic talent transcended the Benny Hill Show. He made appearances on the 1973 programme “Whoops Baghdad” starring Frankie Howerd and played a small role in the 1975 musical comedy film “Three for All,” contributing to his cult following when Benny Hill’s syndicated shows gained popularity in the late 1970s in the United States.

Tragically, health issues led Jackie Wright to bid farewell to the show in 1983. Despite his departure, previously unaired footage featuring him continued to grace new Benny Hill shows until 1985. The final curtain fell on this comedic luminary on 11 January 1989, at the age of 84, in a Belfast hospital after battling a long, undisclosed illness.

Benny Hill, reflecting on the loss, remarked, “He was a lovely little fella… I’m saddened beyond words.” As fans revisit the timeless episodes of the Benny Hill Show, the legacy of Jackie Wright lives on, forever etched in the laughter and joy he brought to the screens around the world.