Build a statue for Benny, says rap star Snoop (From Daily Echo)
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Rap superstar Snoop Dogg joins campaign to honour Benny Hill
11:50am Tuesday 20th March 2012 in News
The fibreglass model of the proposed Benny Hill statue.
HE was the much-loved Hampshire comic who entertained millions with his madcap antics.
And now a bid to build a statue of Benny Hill is gaining support from A-list celebrities – including US rap legend Snoop Dogg.
Twenty years after Benny Hill died, Southampton – the city of his birth – has yet to commemorate one of its most distinguished sons.
But a fundraising campaign is under way to immortalise the comedy hero.
Journalist and broadcaster Garry Bushell says his statue campaign has the support of Barbara Windsor, Roy Hudd, Bobby Ball, Brian Conley, Bradley Walsh, Joe Pasquale, former Hill’s Angel Sue Upton – and the rapper Snoop Dogg.
The singer has said Benny Hill is one of his favourite entertainers.
In a recent interview he said: “I love Benny Hill. He was one of my favourites of all time. Like, the way Benny did it, he was just amazing.
“Just seeing how he put songs together and comedy and the timing and the sketches. He was way ahead of his time.
“I would like to play Benny Hill in the Benny Hill movie. I’ll even paint my face white.”
Mr Bushell began the statue campaign in 2006 but the project foundered through lack of funds.
Sculptor Graham Ibbeson even designed a 6ft 8in fibreglass model of the proposed statue which currently stands in a Leeds businessmen's club.
But a further £40,000 is needed to create a bronze version.
Mr Bushell will be organising a celebrity cabaret event later this year to boost funds and The Heritage Foundation has promised to help with fundraising.
Southampton City Council’s head of leisure, Councillor John Hannides, said the council would be happy to find a location for the statue of the comedian, who was born in Bridge Street, now Bernard Street, in 1925.
Comments(16)
Goldenwight
says...
12:00pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Seedhouse the Unrepentant
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12:14pm Tue 20 Mar 12
David Icke
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12:44pm Tue 20 Mar 12
bazzeroz
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12:50pm Tue 20 Mar 12
J.K.
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12:55pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Avery T Decanary
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12:59pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Northamboy
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1:15pm Tue 20 Mar 12
So yes please a statue to our Benny and put it somewhere appropriate where it will be appreciated by many Sotonians.
Brock_and_Roll
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1:33pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Along with all the momentoes, films etc there would be an opportunity for visitors to slap small men on the head and a special "end scene" room where you can chase a bevy of bikini clad girls with the accompanying theme music.
Well I'd pay £10 for that!!
Kettering Chris
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2:12pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Might SS
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2:52pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Condor Man
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4:38pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Gainer T Gopher
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5:41pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Gainer T Gopher
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6:26pm Tue 20 Mar 12
bobbyboy
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7:03pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Buckitdown
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8:55am Wed 21 Mar 12
News Fanatic says...
11:59am Tue 20 Mar 12