Merseyside Mirth Makers - Ricky Tomlinson

Eric 'Ricky' Tomlinson

Although he has lived in Liverpool virtually all his life, Ricky Tomlinson was in fact born on September the 26th, 1939 in Bispham, Blackpool, as Eric Tomlinson. The reason being that his mum had been evacuated there due to the Liverpool Blitz in World War 2 and moved back to Liverpool with Ricky just 3 days old. Brought up in the Everton district in a two bedroom house with his three brothers David, Albert and Ronny they all went to Heyworth Street Primary school after which he attended technical school after passing an exam when he was 13, with his favourite subject being English. He first of all thought of being a writer and his football skills led him to having a trial with Scunthorpe Utd, but he became a plasterer by trade and only entered the world of entertainment later in life in 1979. After a few acting roles in 'United Kingdom' and 'Boys From The Blackstuff'  roles and doing stand-up comedy around pubs and clubs in Liverpool he got his big break cast as Bobby Grant in Phil Redmond's new soap, set in Liverpool, 'Brookside' and was there from its inception in 1982 until he was written out of it in 1988.

Jim Royle

This was followed up by him playing the part of DCI Charlie Wise in the drama series 'Cracker' and then the unforgettable Jim Royle in the brilliant comedy sitcom 'The Royle Family' created by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash. As a keen banjo and harpsichord player Ricky played the banjo in several episodes of 'The Royle Family'. The show spanned three series and eight specials, which saw him starring as the character for over ten years. In the British Comedy Awards of 1999 the show swept the board winning four categories including 'Best Comedy Actor' for Ricky. The show also picked up two BAFTA's the following year and is often regarded as one of Britain’s greatest comedies, frequently viewed by millions. Even many years after the show ended Ricky has said "500 times a week or say 50 times a day there will be either bus drivers, taxi drivers, courier drivers or if I'm walking past a school yard, the kids they will all shout 'my arse'."
Another comedy role which he has become well known for is as Mike Bassett in the film 'Mike Bassett: England Manager' which sees Ricky portray an incompetent football manager. This film has gone on to become incredibly popular amongst sports fans and its success sparked a follow-up television series, 'Mike Bassett: Manager' with Ricky reprising his role.
He later went on the comedy circuit with his close friend Gary Skyner, a professional comedian of more than 25 years and the second child in the UK to be born damaged by the deadly thalidomide drug. In his spot, Ricky talks openly about his life, and his career in the world of show business, and Gary delivers his own brand of humour with his popular stand-up comedy routine.
In 2010 Ricky opened his own cabaret club, The Green Room in Duke Street, Liverpool, saying,
“I went around the country with a good old-fashioned variety show and I thought it would be nice to have somewhere in Liverpool where we could do it every week. We want to bring in some wonderful performers and give local talent the chance to perform, as well as some big stars."

Freedom of the City Award

Ricky received the honour of  'Freedom of the City' at a ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall in 2014 for recognition of his varied work over the years fighting for justice, entertaining millions on TV and raising money and awareness for charity.

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