Spike Milligan
ComedianWriter
Ireland1918–2002
Spike Milligan was an Irish comedian, writer, actor, and poet best known as the co-creator and principal writer of The Goon Show. His surreal and experimental comedy had a major influence on later British comedians and programs, including Monty Python. [2]
Career and work
Milligan became best known as the principal writer and one of the performers on The Goon Show, the BBC radio comedy series that ran through the 1950s. His surreal writing and characters helped establish the program’s distinctive style and had a lasting influence on British comedy. [2]
Beyond The Goon Show, Milligan wrote extensively for radio, television, stage, and print. He published poetry, comic writing, and a series of bestselling autobiographical books about his experiences during the Second World War, beginning with Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
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Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
The Observer / The Guardian“The last laugh” Interview in which Milligan speaks directly about manic depression, psychiatric illness, his behaviour, and the effects of his condition on his work.
The Guardian“Spike Milligan” Obituary covering Milligan’s central role in The Goon Show, writing career, influence, and recurrent breakdowns.
Irish Independent“Life was no laughing matter for the father of British comedy” Retrospective containing Milligan’s own description of himself as manic-depressive and his perspective on living with the condition.
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The Guardian“Black Beauty’s dark secret” Discusses Milligan’s recurrent depression and psychiatric treatment, including ECT and lithium.
PenguinDepression and How to Survive It — Spike Milligan and Anthony Clare Book-length collaboration drawing on Milligan’s experience of recurrent depression and including Anthony Clare’s account of his psychiatric history and treatment.
Bipolar UK“Our story” The organization’s history documenting Milligan as the first patron of the Manic Depression Fellowship.
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Recommended books and other resources about Spike Milligan and their experiences.