Rodney Bewes, the beloved British actor who brought Bob Ferris to life in The Likely Lads, passed away at his home in Cornwall on 21 November 2017. He was 79 years old, just six days shy of his 80th birthday. His death was caused by cancer, as confirmed by a close friend, not a heart attack as some early reports suggested.
For millions of viewers, Bewes embodied the warmth, humour, and quiet ambition of a generation of working-class Britain. His on-screen chemistry with James Bolam turned a simple sitcom into a cultural landmark. Off-screen, however, a fractured relationship with his co-star became almost as famous as the show itself.
From his early days in Yorkshire to his final years in a Cornish seaside village, Bewes led a life marked by triumph, tragedy, and a very public falling-out that lasted four decades. This article examines his career, his family, and the legacy he left behind.
What Did Rodney Bewes Die Of?
21 November 2017
Cancer
79 years old
Bob Ferris in The Likely Lads
Key Insights at a Glance
- Rodney Bewes died of cancer at his home in Cadgwith, Cornwall, in November 2017.
- His on-screen partnership with James Bolam defined a generation of British comedy, but a private comment made public led to a 40-year rift.
- Bewes had four children with his second wife Daphne Black, including triplets born in 1976.
- He faced financial difficulties later in life, publicly stating he had an overdraft and mortgage.
- Bewes was born in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and overcame childhood asthma before training at RADA.
- His later career included stage work, a one-man show, and guest roles in Doctor Who and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Key Facts About Rodney Bewes
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rodney Bewes |
| Born | 27 November 1937, Bingley, West Yorkshire |
| Died | 21 November 2017 (age 79) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Spouse(s) | Sylvia Tebbitt (m. 1963, div.); Daphne Black (m. 1973–2015) |
| Children | 4 — Daisy (b. 1973), triplets Tom, Billy, and Joe (b. 1976) |
| Best Known For | Bob Ferris in The Likely Lads (1964–66) and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973–74) |
| Education | RADA — expelled in his final year |
What Was Rodney Bewes Best Known For?
Rodney Bewes rose to fame playing Bob Ferris in the BBC sitcom The Likely Lads, which aired from 1964 to 1966. The show portrayed the friendship of two working-class men in Newcastle and drew audiences of more than 20 million at its peak. It was revived in colour as Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? from 1973 to 1974, cementing Bewes and Bolam as household names.
Early Life and Education
Born in Bingley, West Yorkshire, Bewes suffered from asthma and bronchitis as a child, prompting his family to move to Luton. After completing two years of service in the RAF, he won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His time there was cut short, however, when he was expelled in his final year for what was described as partying too hard.
Film and Television Career
Beyond The Likely Lads, Bewes appeared in a variety of film and television roles. He played the Knave of Hearts in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1972) and guest-starred in Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks (1984). His later career focused primarily on stage acting, including touring village halls with a one-man adaptation of Three Men in a Boat.
Bewes trained at RADA but was expelled in his final year. Before acting, he had served two years in the Royal Air Force. His early health struggles with asthma and bronchitis shaped much of his childhood, leading his family to relocate to Luton in search of a better climate.
Who Was Rodney Bewes Married To and Did He Have Children?
Bewes was married twice. His first marriage was to Sylvia N. Tebbitt in 1963; the couple later divorced. In 1973, he married Daphne Black, who remained his partner until her sudden death from a stroke in 2015. Daphne had also worked as his helper, setting up stage props for his theatrical performances.
Children and Family Life
With Daphne, Bewes had four children. Their daughter Daisy was born in 1973. Three years later, in 1976, the couple had triplets — Tom, Billy, and Joe — a surprise after doctors had predicted twins. Despite the demands of a large family, Bewes continued to work steadily in theatre and television. He is survived by his four children and two grandchildren.
Net Worth and Financial Struggles
Bewes was open about his financial difficulties later in life. He stated publicly that he had an overdraft and a mortgage, and he accused James Bolam of blocking repeated broadcasts of The Likely Lads, which would have earned Bewes repeat fees. He described Bolam as very wealthy. No verified net worth figure exists in official sources.
Despite persistent online speculation, the triplets are real. Tom, Billy, and Joe were born unexpectedly in 1976 — the parents had been expecting twins. The three sons, together with their sister Daisy, made up Bewes’ four children. This is confirmed by multiple credible sources, including family interviews and obituaries.
Did James Bolam Attend Rodney Bewes’ Funeral?
No official confirmation exists regarding whether James Bolam attended Rodney Bewes’ funeral. Multiple tabloid and media reports claimed Bolam was present privately, but neither the Bewes family nor Bolam himself have made a public statement to verify this. The question remains open.
The 40-Year Feud
The rift between Bewes and Bolam began in 1976. Bewes had shared a private story with a newspaper: that Bolam’s wife, Susan Jameson, was pregnant. Bolam was reportedly driving when he learned the news, nearly causing a crash. Deeply private, Bolam cut off contact after Bewes’ apology phone call and never resumed communication.
In one of his final interviews, Bewes pleaded publicly for Bolam to end the feud. According to reports, Bolam refused, even after the sudden death of Daphne Bewes in 2015. The silence was never broken.
The feud was compounded by a financial dimension. Bewes claimed that Bolam vetoed the repeated broadcast of The Likely Lads, preventing Bewes from earning repeat fees. Bewes stated he had an overdraft and a mortgage, while referring to Bolam as very wealthy. This layer of grievance deepened an already painful personal rift.
Timeline of Rodney Bewes’ Life
- 27 November 1937: Born in Bingley, West Yorkshire.
- 1963: Marries Sylvia Tebbitt (later divorced).
- 1964–1966: Stars as Bob Ferris in The Likely Lads.
- 1973: Marries Daphne Black. Daughter Daisy is born.
- 1973–1974: Reprises role in Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
- 1976: Feud with James Bolam begins. Triplets Tom, Billy, and Joe are born.
- 1984: Guest role in Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks.
- 2015: Wife Daphne dies of a stroke.
- 21 November 2017: Dies of cancer at home in Cadgwith, Cornwall.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: cancer (confirmed by friend Henry Tapper) | Whether James Bolam attended the funeral — no official confirmation exists |
| Spouse: Daphne Black (married 1973, died 2015) | Bewes’ net worth — no verified figure; he indicated financial hardship |
| Children: four — Daisy, Tom, Billy, and Joe | Exact details of the feud’s final status — no public statement from Bolam |
| Feud with James Bolam began in 1976 | Funeral arrangements — no public details have been documented |
Why Did The Likely Lads Matter?
The Likely Lads captured the spirit of 1960s and 1970s working-class Britain with honesty and humour. Bob Ferris and Terry Collier became archetypes of northern English identity — one striving for middle-class respectability, the other stubbornly rooted in his ways. The show, and its sequel series, remains a touchstone of British television history. For a deeper look at another beloved sitcom star from the same era, read Richard Beckinsale – Biography, Career, and Tragic Death.
What Did Friends and Family Say?
“He was a gentle, funny man who brought joy to millions. He will be sorely missed.”
— Family statement, reported by BBC News (2017)
“I told a story which was private about him and his wife. And he never ever forgave me. And that was it.”
— Rodney Bewes, discussing the feud with James Bolam in a 2005 interview
Summary: The Legacy of a Likely Lad
Rodney Bewes leaves behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences decades after it was first broadcast. His portrayal of Bob Ferris offered a warm, authentic window into a changing Britain, while his personal story — marked by a celebrated partnership, a painful rift, and a quiet end in Cornwall — reminds us of the human side of stardom. To explore another iconic British entertainer, see Billy Connolly – Health, Net Worth and Career in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Rodney Bewes when he died?
He was 79 years old. He died six days before his 80th birthday.
What caused Rodney Bewes’ death?
He died of cancer, as confirmed by a close friend and reported by The Independent.
Where was Rodney Bewes born?
He was born in Bingley, West Yorkshire, England.
Was Rodney Bewes married?
Yes, twice. First to Sylva Tebbitt in 1963 (divorced), then to Daphne Black in 1973, who died in 2015.
Did Rodney Bewes have children?
Yes, four children: a daughter named Daisy, and triplets Tom, Billy, and Joe.
Did Rodney Bewes have triplets?
Yes. Tom, Billy, and Joe were born in 1976, unexpectedly — the parents had been expecting twins.
What was the feud between Rodney Bewes and James Bolam about?
Bewes shared a private story about Bolam’s wife with a newspaper in 1976. Bolam ended contact after the incident.
Did James Bolam go to Rodney Bewes’ funeral?
It is reported but not officially confirmed. No public statement from the family or Bolam exists.
What was Rodney Bewes’ net worth?
No verified figure exists. Bewes stated he had an overdraft and a mortgage.
Was Rodney Bewes in any other notable TV shows?
Yes, including Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and stage productions.
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Diane Forbes leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections review at Southampton Wire.