Introduction
Alan Simpson, OBE (born 27 November 1929) is a retired English scriptwriter, best known for the Galton and Simpson comedy writing partnership with Ray Galton. Together they devised and wrote the BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son (1962–1974), Hancock's Half Hour (1954–1961) and Comedy Playhouse (1961–1975).
Early life
Simpson was born in Brixton, south London and was educated at Mitcham County Grammar School for Boys. After leaving school he worked as a shipping clerk and was a member of a church concert party. He contracted tuberculosis aged 17 in 1947 and was admitted to Milford Sanatorium near Godalming in Surrey where he met fellow patient Ray Galton.
Galton and Simpson
Later life
Simpson retired from scriptwriting in 1978 to concentrate on business interests.
Honours and awards
He was appointed an OBE in 2000 and he and Galton received a BAFTA Fellowship on 8 May 2016.