<P> William John Owen Rowbotham , MBE ( 14 March 1914 -- 12 July 1999 ) , known professionally as Bill Owen , was an English actor and songwriter . He was the father of actor Tom Owen . He is best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the Yorkshire based BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine for 27 years . He died in July 1999 , his last appearance on - screen being shown in April 2000 . </P>
<P> William John Owen Rowbotham , MBE ( 14 March 1914 -- 12 July 1999 ) , known professionally as Bill Owen , was an English actor and songwriter . He was the father of actor Tom Owen . He is best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the Yorkshire based BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine for 27 years . He died in July 1999 , his last appearance on - screen being shown in April 2000 . </P>
bill owen character in last of the summer wine
bill owen character in last of the summer wine
Compo Simmonite
Compo Simmonite