Sunny Rogers

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Sunny Rogers, (1913-2005), was born Jessie Mary Rogerson in Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire on May 10th 1913 and is best known for her work with comedian Frankie Howerd. Her nickname 'Sunny' came about because she was forever smiling. When attending the Welbeck Street Primary School, the Headmistress wrote to her parents saying that "You really should consider sending little Jessie for dancing lessons as she entertains us all day with her singing and dancing".

Sunny started out as a dancer at The Trocadaro in London and then joined the Tiller Girls; she went on from there to become a choreographer and producer of floor shows.

With her deadpan comedy expression, she then became the long suffering stooge for Frankie Howerd, a role she played for over 35 years. She was his accompanying pianist who would be continually mocked by the comedian; "She's deaf you know -can't hear a word - poor old soul!" and various other remarks. One of the best examples of her work with the star is the Channel 4 hour long special Superfrank! recorded in 1986.

After Frankie Howerd died in 1992, Sunny retired to Brighton, Sussex where she continued to help show business charities. She passed away aged 92 at a nursing home in nearby Worthing on December 30th 2005.