Robin Askwith – Biography, Career and Facts About the Actor
Robin Askwith, born on 12 October 1950 in Southport, Lancashire, is an English actor, singer and writer. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as the leading man of British sex comedy, most famously playing Timothy Lea in the Confessions film series.
The first of those films, Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974), became the highest-grossing film in the UK that year, according to industry reports. Askwith’s career, however, stretches well beyond that franchise – from early roles alongside acclaimed directors to horror films, Carry On comedies, and decades of stage and television work.
Now 75 years old, Askwith continues to appear in new projects and maintain a presence on social media. Yet public curiosity about his personal life, his finances, and even his hair has remained as persistent as his career itself.
Who is Robin Askwith?
English actor and singer
Robin Askwith (born 12 October 1950) rose to fame in the 1970s Confessions sex comedy series.
Most famous for Confessions films
He played Timothy Lea in the Confessions series, including Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974).
Also a singer
In the 1970s he released singles and appeared in musical theatre.
Personal life and speculation
Married to actress Susan Penhaligon (1975–1983). His hair has been a subject of public curiosity.
Key insights
- Robin Askwith is a defining face of 1970s British sex comedies, particularly the Confessions franchise.
- Despite his fame from the 1970s, he has continued working in theatre, TV and film into the 2020s.
- Questions about his hair (whether it is real) are frequently searched, reflecting a long-standing public curiosity.
- Net worth estimates vary widely online; no authoritative source provides a verified figure.
- His official website and social media indicate ongoing projects, including an upcoming release on Acorn TV.
Snapshot facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Robin Mark Askwith |
| Date of birth | 12 October 1950 |
| Place of birth | Southport, Lancashire, England |
| Occupation | Actor, singer, writer |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
| Notable works | Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974), Confessions of a Pop Performer (1975), Carry On Girls (1973) |
| Spouse | Susan Penhaligon (m. 1975; div. 1983) |
| Awards | Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer (1976) |
| Net worth estimate | Unverified – various sources claim £500k–£2 million |
| Hair speculation | No public confirmation of hair transplant or natural state |
What are Robin Askwith’s most famous movies and TV shows?
The Confessions series
Askwith’s best-known work remains the Confessions series, in which he played the hapless but good-natured Timothy Lea. BFI Screenonline identifies four films: Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974), Confessions of a Pop Performer (1975), Confessions of a Driving Instructor (1976) and Confessions from a Holiday Camp (1977). The first film was the highest-grossing in the UK in 1974, according to 4RFV.
Early film work
Before the Confessions films, Askwith appeared in a range of notable productions. He made his screen debut in Lindsay Anderson’s if…. (1968) as the schoolboy Keating. Further early credits include Otley (1969), Alfred the Great (1969), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) and Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Canterbury Tales (1972).
Horror and comedy
During the early 1970s, Askwith appeared in several British horror films, among them Tower of Evil (1972), The Flesh and Blood Show (1972) and Horror Hospital (1973). He also featured in comedies such as Bless This House (1972), Carry On Girls (1973) and No Sex Please, We’re British (1973).
Later television and film
Askwith continued to work steadily after the 1970s. His later credits include Britannia Hospital (1982), the submarine thriller U-571 (2000), and television appearances on The Bill and Coronation Street. His career has also encompassed stage work, pantomime and voice roles.
While the Confessions films define his public image, Askwith’s filmography includes dramas, period pieces, horror and arthouse cinema. His debut in if…. (1968) placed him alongside director Lindsay Anderson, and his role in Pasolini’s The Canterbury Tales places him within European art cinema of the early 1970s.
Is Robin Askwith hair real?
Where the question comes from
The question about whether Robin Askwith’s hair is real is one of the most searched topics associated with him. It reflects a broader curiosity about how male actors from the 1970s have aged, and whether appearance changes are natural or the result of cosmetic procedures.
What the sources say
No public statement from Askwith or any credible source confirms or denies a hair transplant. Biographical resources such as Wikipedia, IMDb and his official website do not address the topic. The question remains unanswered in any authoritative forum.
Why it persists
Askwith has maintained a full head of hair into his 70s, which has led to online speculation. Without official comment, however, any claim about the authenticity of his hair remains unsubstantiated.
Who is Robin Askwith married to?
Known relationships
Robin Askwith has been married at least twice. According to IMDb, he was previously married to Mary Smith and Leonie Mellinger. Wikipedia lists his partner(s) as Cheryl Hall (1970–1973) and Linda Hayden (1975–1983). The most widely documented relationship is his marriage to actress Susan Penhaligon, which lasted from 1975 to 1983.
Current status
As of 2025, no reliable source confirms a current wife or partner. Neither his official website nor his social media profiles indicate a present marriage. Any information about a current spouse should be treated as unverified unless it comes from Askwith himself or a trusted biographical source.
The available sources do not provide a consistent account of Askwith’s personal life. IMDb mentions two marriages (Mary Smith and Leonie Mellinger) that are not listed on Wikipedia, while Wikipedia discusses partnerships not on IMDb. This inconsistency means that personal details should be approached with caution.
Some sources suggest Askwith has a daughter named Rebecca, possibly an actress, but this is not confirmed by his official website or any high-authority biographical source. No reliable public record verifies the existence or details of his children.
What is Robin Askwith doing now? A career timeline
- 1950 – Born in Southport, Lancashire.
- 1968 – First film role in if…., playing Keating.
- 1974 – Breakthrough as Timothy Lea in Confessions of a Window Cleaner, the highest-grossing UK film of the year.
- 1975–1983 – Married to actress Susan Penhaligon.
- 1976 – Wins the Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer for the Confessions films.
- 1980s–1990s – Appears in UK television series including The Bill and Coronation Street, plus stage and pantomime work.
- 2000 – Role in the Hollywood submarine film U-571.
- 2020s – Active on social media; announces new projects including a release on Acorn TV.
Askwith remains active in 2025. His Instagram and X (Twitter) accounts show ongoing engagement with fans and promotion of upcoming work. His official website describes him as having over 50 years of acting experience.
What is known and what remains unclear about Robin Askwith?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Robin Askwith was born on 12 October 1950 in Southport, Lancashire. | Whether his hair is natural or the result of a transplant. |
| He is best known for playing Timothy Lea in the Confessions film series. | His current relationship status and whether he is married. |
| He won an Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer in 1976. | His net worth, which has no verified or official figure. |
| He was married to actress Susan Penhaligon from 1975 to 1983. | Whether he has children and, if so, their identities. |
| His career spans from 1968 to the present across film, TV and stage. | Detailed discography or chart history for his singing career. |
What does Robin Askwith’s career tell us about 1970s British comedy?
Robin Askwith is emblematic of a particular era of British comedy – the sex comedy boom of the 1970s, when films like the Confessions series and Carry On films enjoyed mainstream popularity. These comedies were commercially successful and drew large audiences, yet they were often dismissed by critics. Askwith’s work in the genre made him a household name, even as the films themselves divided opinion.
His career longevity, though less high-profile after the 1970s, demonstrates adaptability. He moved between film, television, stage and pantomime, maintaining steady work across decades. That trajectory mirrors the broader story of many British entertainers from that period who outlasted the specific trends that made them famous.
What do the sources say about Robin Askwith?
“Robin Mark Askwith (born 12 October 1950) is an English actor and singer who has appeared in a number of film, television and stage productions.”
“Robin Askwith was born on 12 October 1950 in Southport, Lancashire, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974).”
— IMDb
“Robin Askwith has over 50 years of Acting experience.”
To summarise: Who is Robin Askwith?
Robin Askwith is an English actor and singer who became the face of 1970s British sex comedy through the Confessions films, particularly Confessions of a Window Cleaner. His career spans more than five decades, encompassing film, television, stage and music. While public curiosity continues to surround his personal life, his finances and the authenticity of his hair, the available sources confirm a performer who has remained active and adaptable long after his peak era of fame. Alvin Stardust – Biography, Cause of Death, Wife & Hit Songs offers another portrait of a British entertainer from the same era.
Frequently asked questions about Robin Askwith
Is Robin Askwith still alive?
Yes, Robin Askwith is alive as of 2025. He is active on social media and continues to appear in projects.
What is Robin Askwith’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Timothy Lea in the Confessions series of films, starting with Confessions of a Window Cleaner (1974).
Did Robin Askwith have a singing career?
Yes, he released singles in the 1970s and performed in musical theatre. He is credited as a singer on several recordings.
Who is Robin Askwith’s partner?
He was married to actress Susan Penhaligon from 1975 to 1983. His current relationship status is not publicly confirmed.
Is Robin Askwith’s hair a transplant?
There is no official confirmation. Some fans speculate he may have had a hair transplant, but he has not addressed it publicly.
How much is Robin Askwith worth?
Net worth figures vary from £500k to £2 million, but these are estimates from unverified sources. No official disclosure exists.
How tall is Robin Askwith?
According to IMDb, Robin Askwith is 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) tall.
What was Robin Askwith’s first film?
His first film role was in if…. (1968), directed by Lindsay Anderson, in which he played the schoolboy Keating.
Did Robin Askwith appear in Carry On films?
Yes, he appeared in Carry On Girls (1973), one of the later entries in the classic British comedy series.
What is Robin Askwith doing now?
He remains active in the entertainment industry, with social media presence and upcoming projects including a release on Acorn TV.
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