BILL OWEN

• Born: March 14, 1914
• Died: July 12, 1999
• Nationality: English
• Profession: Actor, Songwriter

William John Owen Rowbotham, MBE, known professionally as Bill Owen, was an English actor and songwriter. He was the father of actor Tom Owen. He is best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the Yorkshire-based BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine for 27 years. He died in July 1999, his last appearance on-screen being shown in April 2000.