Biography

Alan Simpson was born on November 27, 1929 in Brixton, London, England, UK. He was a writer and actor, known for Sanford and Son (1972), Steptoe and Son (1962) and Steptoe & Son (1972). He was married to Kathleen (Kate) Phillips and Tessa Le Bars. He died on February 8, 2017 in the UK.

He and his writing partner, Ray Galton were both awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2000 Queen's Millennium Honors List for their services to television comedy and drama.

As a young man, he contracted tuberculosis. He became so ill that he was not expected to live and was given the last rites. While in a sanatorium in Surrey, he met another teenage TB patient, his future colleague Ray Galton. Their first work together was writing for hospital radio. "Have You Ever Wondered" was based on their experiences in the sanatorium.

He is Club President of both Hampton & Richmond Borough Football Club.

Petts Wood, Kent, England