Paul Merton
Paul Merton
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Paul Merton is a British comedian, actor, and television presenter.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 2, 1957, in Rochford, Essex, England. As of the writing of this biography, Paul Merton is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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British, Comedian, Actor, Television Presenter
Paul Merton has worked extensively in television, comedy, and acting, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in British entertainment.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Essex, England, Paul Merton developed an interest in comedy from a young age. He attended King's College School in Cambridge before studying English at Cambridge University. After completing his education, he began working as a stand-up comedian, performing at various clubs and venues around the UK.
Major Accomplishments
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Paul Merton's career has been marked by numerous notable achievements:
Whose Line Is It Anyway?: He co-created this hit comedy show in 1988, which ran for several seasons on BBC Radio 4 before moving to television. The format involved improvisational games and challenges.
Have I Got News for You: Merton was a team captain on this popular satirical news quiz from 1990 to 2007, known for his witty banter and humorous observations.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Paul Merton's most notable works include:
The Story of Light Entertainment: A documentary series exploring the history of light entertainment in Britain, which he co-presented with Griff Rhys Jones.
Paul Merton in India: A travel documentary series where Merton explored Indian culture and history.
Impact and Legacy
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Paul Merton's contributions to British comedy and television have had a lasting impact. His unique style of humor and engaging on-screen presence have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Paul Merton is widely quoted and remembered for his quick wit, clever observations, and ability to think on his feet. He has become synonymous with British comedy, inspiring generations of comedians and entertainers. His impact extends beyond the screen, as he continues to engage audiences through live performances and radio shows.
His legacy serves as a testament to the power of humor and entertainment in bringing people together.
Quotes by Paul Merton
On my first day in New York a guy asked me if I knew where Central Park was. When I told him I didn't he said, 'Do you mind if I mug you here?'.
When I wake up on a Monday morning and I realise I don’t have to go and work at the civil service, I really think I’ve won.
I think having an outsider’s viewpoint is interesting and good, especially for a comedian.
If you became a comedian in the ’80s, you had to work the circuit and make people laugh. Canned laughter is cheating.
I looked at longevity in show business when I was about 13, and the people who seemed to have longevity were the ones who’d spent quite a bit of time learning about what they were doing before they made it.
At one point in the mid-Eighties I shared a promoter with the Smiths. One night, we were sitting backstage when Morrissey burst in, utterly distraught, sobbing his heart out. Turns out someone had thrown a sausage at him on stage during ‘Meat Is Murder.’
When I turned about 12 or 13, I realised that being funny wasn’t about remembering jokes. It was about creating them.
