| Norman Lovett | |
|---|---|
 Norman Lovett in 2005 | |
| Born | 31 October 1946 Windsor, Berkshire, England [1] |
| Medium | Stand-up comedy, actor, film, television |
| Nationality | British |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Website | normanlovett |
Norman Lovett (born 31 October 1946) is a British stand-up comedian and actor best known for his portrayal of Holly, the ship's computer in Red Dwarf .
Lovett became a stand-up comedian in his thirties, initially supporting punk bands in the late 1970s, before establishing himself on the alternative comedy scene during the 1980s. [2] He played London's Comedy Store on many occasions. [3]
From 1989 to 1993, Lovett wrote and starred in his own surreal BBC2 sitcom called I, Lovett . He played a version of himself who is an inventor living in a world of surrealism with his talking dog, voiced by Geoffrey Hughes; spider, voiced by Mary Riggans; and talking inanimate objects. [4] During this time, he also wrote and starred in a one-off special called Lovett Goes To Town, which was aired as part of Galaxy series The Last Laugh. [5]
In 1996, Lovett played a doctor in the short-lived sitcom Asylum , created by Edgar Wright, alongside Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson, Julian Barratt and an ensemble cast. Lovett later worked with Edgar Wright again on Is It Bill Bailey? , a stand-up/sketch series starring Bill Bailey. [6]
Lovett's first television appearances include a stand-up performance on Pyjamarama in 1983, and a brief role in The Young Ones in the episode Summer Holiday . He appeared again with The Young Ones star Rik Mayall in sketches for UK music series The Tube , and television act The Dangerous Brothers . [7]
Lovett has made a number of other acting appearances such as the Ghost of Christmas Past in a television adaptation of A Christmas Carol , Mr. Follett in The History of Tom Jones , the film The Criminal , BBC docudrama Seven Wonders of the Industrial World , as well as the BBC One sitcom Keeping Up Appearances . He also appeared in three episodes of drama The Bill , three episodes of the Scottish sitcom Rab C Nesbitt , an episode of EastEnders , comedy drama series Happy Families , and children's television series Gordon the Gopher . He played a supporting role in two series of the television series Don't Miss Wax, hosted by Ruby Wax. [7]
In 2006, Lovett appeared in the comedy-horror film Evil Aliens . [8] In 2013, he featured in the mockumentary feature film Behind the Scenes of Total Hell .
Lovett's comedy has a quiet, dead-pan surrealism, and in 2000, he made a successful stand-up tour, co-headlining with Chris Barrie, who played Rimmer in Red Dwarf. [9] In 2008 Lovett co-headlined a stand-up tour with Hattie Hayridge, who played the female version of Holly in Red Dwarf. [10] His career as a stand-up comedian has included regular appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe. [11] Comedian Stewart Lee has cited Lovett as an influence, [12] and on occasion the two have featured on the same bill, including an alternative comedy showcase event in 2011, curated by Lee at the Royal Festival Hall. [13] In 2008, Lovett released his first stand-up DVD Bags and Biscuits. In 2012, he released his second stand-up DVD, Norman Lovett: Outside the Box.
From 2014 to 2018, Lovett was a main cast member in BBC Radio 4 comedy To Hull and Back, alongside Maureen Lipman and series creator Lucy Beaumont. [14]
Lovett played the role of Holly in Red Dwarf in its first and second series. [15] Starting from the third series, Lovett declined to join the cast when Red Dwarf filming moved to London, while Lovett had moved to Edinburgh, [4] [16] with the distance between the two cities decreasing his willingness to participate.
Lovett returned in the seventh series as a guest star and the eighth as a regular. However, a disagreement with writer/producer Doug Naylor meant that for a period Lovett refused to take part in any further Red Dwarf productions. [15]
Following the success of Red Dwarf X , Lovett resumed contact with Naylor, [17] resulting in his guest appearance in the twelfth series episode "Skipper". [18] After this, Lovett resumed his role as Holly in the 2020 special The Promised Land . [19]
Lovett has also played the role of Holly in Red Dwarf-related releases, such as the "Tongue Tied" music video, a sketch for BBC's Children in Need, the interactive DVD game Beat the Geek, and additional footage filmed for Red Dwarf Remastered .
Lovett is known for political activism. He has performed stand-up comedy on numerous occasions for 'Stand Up For Labour' in support of said party. In 2016, he was awarded Stand Up For Labour's Act of the Year. [20] In September 2016, Lovett performed at the 'Keep Corbyn' rally in Brighton, in support of Jeremy Corbyn's campaign in the Labour Party leadership election. [21]
Lovett's voice is available as an in-game purchase in the 2014 game Elite Dangerous, allowing the user to customise the ships 'COVAS' speech system. [22]
Lovett has stated that one of his personal career highlights was supporting punk rock band The Clash. [23]
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