Howard Goorney

Howard Jacob Goorney was a British actor whose career spanned more than five decades, beginning in the early 1950s and continuing until the early 2000s. Born on 11 May 1921 in Manchester, England, he grew up during a period of great cultural change, which later informed his artistic sensibilities. He entered the world of performance as a founding member of Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop, a revolutionary collective that sought to democratize theatre and bring working‑class stories to the stage. Goorney’s involvement with the Workshop was not merely as an actor; he also chronicled its early history in the acclaimed book The Theatre Workshop Story, published by Methuen, offering an invaluable insider’s perspective on its move to the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Goorney became a familiar face at the National Theatre, where he took on challenging roles in productions such as Bill Bryden’s The Mysteries and the beloved adaptation Lark Rise to Candleford. His stage work was characterized by a deep empathy for ordinary people and a relentless commitment to ensemble storytelling. In addition to his theatrical achievements, Goorney gained national recognition on television, most notably for his role in the beloved sitcom Only Fools and Horses, where his performance added a layer of authenticity to the show’s depiction of everyday life in London. His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between stage and screen, leaving a lasting imprint on both mediums. Beyond his professional life, Howard was married to Stella Riley, a partnership that endured until his passing. He died on 29 March 2007 in Bath, Somerset, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to craft, collaboration, and the transformative power of theatre.