A life of laughter
Born 97 years ago today, actress Pat Coombs captured the hearts of audiences with her versatility and infectious humour. Entering the world on 27th August 1926 in Camberwell, London, Patricia Doreen Coombs would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment through her memorable performances on radio, television and film.
Pat discovered her love for acting at an early age, with her ability to make people laugh apparent even during her school days. After the war she won a scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where she honed her acting skills and developed a natural flair for comedy. Although she undoubtedly possessed considerable versatility as an actress, Pat’s particular gift was for mimicry, comic characters and ‘funny voices’, while her height and slender, angular frame lent itself to physical comedy.
Upon graduating from LAMDA Pat made her professional stage acting debut in weekly rep. She never really enjoyed the theatrical life, however, and knew that her looks meant that she was unlikely to be cast as the young romantic heroine. Pat didn’t really mind though, as the theatre was, for her, only a stepping stone. The breeding ground for new comedy in the 1950s wasn’t to be found on stage but on the radio, where it didn’t matter what she looked like and her mastery of vocal comedy could be given free rein. Pat quickly made a name for herself with a range of comic characters alongside some of the most famous radio comedians of the day such as Arthur Askey, Charlie Chester and Ted Ray.
While Pat enjoyed success on radio, it was her appearances on television that truly catapulted her into the public eye. She became a household name through her roles in popular British sitcoms, variety shows and TV commercials (either on screen or as an instantly recognisable voiceover). One of her most iconic roles was as Ivy in the hit series You’re Only Young Twice, set in a retirement home; she appeared opposite Peggy Mount, and the two women became close friends.
Pat’s comedic prowess extended beyond scripted roles. Her natural ability to find humour in everyday situations and her knack for physical comedy made her a sought-after guest on talk shows and comedy panels where her infectious laughter and quick wit became her trademarks.
In addition to her success on the small screen, Pat also made her mark in film. She appeared in many British comedies (including several Carry Ons), often stealing scenes with her impeccable timing and comedic delivery. Pat’s speciality was playing downtrodden spinsters, ‘unlucky in love’ but always with a residual dignity that endeared her to audiences.
Off screen, Pat was known for her warm and approachable personality. Her genuine kindness and down-to-earth demeanour meant that she was loved by colleagues and fans alike. In her later years, health issues began to take a toll, and in 1995 she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. On 25th May, 2002, Pat Coombs died of emphysema at Denville Hall, the actors’ retirement home, to which she had moved to be near her friend Peggy Mount who died six months earlier.
Pat Coombs’s life was a testament to the power of laughter. Through her memorable characters, infectious laughter and unparalleled comedic talent, she will forever be remembered as a beloved and irreplaceable entertainer.
Pat Coombs: The Authorised Biography, by Andrew Ross, is an unashamedly affectionate book documenting Pat’s life and career, and is available in hardback now from Fantom.
