Comedian Russ Abbot's Career and Disappearance from Limelight

‘In 1984, I worked 363 days’: how Russ Abbot soared to success – then walked away

The comedian dominated Saturday night TV in the 1980s, with his sketch shows attracting 18 million viewers. Next came the West End musicals and sitcoms. But in 2016 he quietly disappeared from the limelight. What happened? The electronic gates slide open to reveal a gorgeous Portuguese villa, a swimming pool and a beansprout of a man. “You’ve made me feel very important,” says Russ Abbot with a smile. “Come in!” It’s more than 30 years since Abbot, aged 78, dominated Saturday night TV with hi...

By Simon Hattenstone