Meet the new Ronnie
6ft teenager steps into his 5ft 1in grandad’s shoes in stage debut – watched by comedian’s widow
RONNIE Corbett stood just 5ft 1ins tall but his grandson Dylan – a strapping six footer – always looked up to him.
So much so he decided to follow in the comedian’s footsteps by choosing a career in entertainment. Just weeks after Ronnie’s death at 85, Dylan Corbett Bader has proved he has inherited the family acting gene – receiving rave reviews for his lead role in a play.
The 18-year- old’s performance in A Glass of Nothing at the Brighton Festival was watched by Ronnie’s widow, former West End musical star Anne, 83.
Dylan, who lives with his mother Sophie Corbett in Brighton, paid tribute to his grandfather;s influence/
‘He taught me so much, he was my
‘He taught me so much’
idol. He is what I compared success to. I wanted to be just like him. The fact I am in this play so soon after [his passing] has pushed me more to keep the family name alive.’
Dylan said he would always have fond memories of playing golf with Ronnie, cooking crab linguine and visiting the tailors in Jermyn Street, London.
‘He was always very well dressed and I too now have a love of fine clothes,’ he said. ‘I’m so lucky to have grown up with so many actors around me. I’ve been given so many tips. My nana always told me to concentrate and work hard. When I was eight and I told her I wanted to be an actor she said I would need to be a grafter and I’ve always done that.’ There are hints Dylan may follow his grandfather into comedy after playwright Peter Kenny described him as ‘a splendid comedy actor’. He said: ‘Dylan may be only 18, but he has revealed a lovely depth and core to his performance. Some actors just have loveability, and Dylan is one of them.’
Dylan, who has a diploma in Acting for TV, Film and Radio from Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, has now been accepted by the National Youth Theatre. Anne Corbett said: ‘It’s wonderful news. Ronnie would be absolutely overjoyed and so proud of Dylan, as we all are. Ron was an entertainer for 64 years, which is as long as the Queen has reigned.
‘I went on the boards as a young child in Where The Rainbow Ends on the London stage.
‘It’s lovely to know that the latest generation of the family has picked up the baton and is following us onto the stage to entertain the British public.’
Dylan’s mother, Sophie, said: ‘I’ve been to see Dylan twice in this play and he [Ronnie] is here with us – that’s the way I see it. Performing is in our blood.’