Bill Owen

Bill Owen (born William John Owen on 1914-07-06 in London, England) was a distinguished English actor and songwriter whose career spanned over six decades. Emerging from a modest working‑class background, Owen first honed his performance skills in amateur dramatics before securing his initial professional engagements in the mid‑1930s, where his natural charisma and subtle comedic timing quickly set him apart. His breakthrough arrived with the groundbreaking BBC television series The Likely Lads (1964‑1966), where his portrayal of the affable, wise‑cracking friend Terry Collier earned him a beloved place in British pop culture and showcased his ability to blend humor with pathos. Beyond television, Owen transitioned seamlessly to film, delivering memorable performances in classics such as The Angry Silence (1960) and the wartime drama The Longest Day (1962). As a songwriter, he contributed a number of light‑hearted, folk‑inspired tunes that were recorded by contemporaries, reflecting his deep appreciation for British musical traditions and further cementing his reputation as a multifaceted entertainer.