Peter Cook

Photo of Peter Cook

Biography

Cited as "the funniest man who ever drew breath" by no less of an authority that actor-writer Stephen Fry, Peter Cook was the acerbic, absurdist father of modern British comedy, which he launched in 1960 with longtime partner Dudley Moore in the stage show "Beyond the Fringe," as well as a series of groundbreaking television series and recordings. Cook broke down the accepted model of comedy, tossing away joke structures and punch lines in …
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Job Title

Actor, Producer, Writer, Music

Born

November 17, 1937

Career Milestones

1996

Last original appearance on U.S. TV: "The United States of Poetry" (PBS)

1994

Appeared in final film, "Black Beauty"

1987

Was featured in "The Princess Bride"

Starred on CBS series "The Two of Us"

1981

Co-wrote concert film "The Secret Policeman's Other Ball"

1978

Played Sherlock Holmes in "The Hound of the Baskervilles"

1967

Screenwriting debut, "Bedazzled"

1966

Screen acting debut in "The Wrong Box"

1964

Starred in BBC series "Not Only...But Also"

1962

Opened The Establishment Theatre, a nightclub

1962

Moved "Beyond the Fringe" to Broadway

1961

Premiered "Beyond the Fringe" in London

1959

Had first play produced, "Pieces of Eight"

1959

First performed "Beyond the Fringe" at Edinburgh Festival

Awards

1974

Tony Award for Special Award

1963

Tony Award for Special Award