It is 44 years this week since the funny man had the Empire Theatre in Sunderland rocking with his humour, at a special show which was staged for the over 60s by Age Concern.
We take a look at the Penshaw-born man whose first job was as a miner, who once supplemented his pay by playing in dominoes tournaments, and who went on to pack out venues across the region.
In case you missed it;
5. Starring in panto
The Empire Theatre in the 1960s. In 1961, the Empire Theatre's pantomime was Mother Goose. The cast included Craig Douglas and Bobby Thompson in starring roles. Tickets were 7/6 for the circle, 6/6 for the stalls and a shilling for the balcony | se Photo: se
6. Bobby's rise to fame
By the time he’d reached the height of his fame, he was known as The Little Waster because of his smaller stature. Photo: Bill Hawkins. | Bill Hawkins Photo: Bill Hawkins
7. Genius on the stage
He might have been small in stature, but with his cigarette hanging out the corner of his mouth and his famous jumper, he was a giant of the stage. | se
8. Top times at the Top Rank
The popular North East working men's club comedian and entertainer was a regular at store and club events. He shared a laugh at the opening of the new Top Rank Bingo and Social Club in Sunderland's former Odeon Cinema in 1978. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo