Which comedian and actor wrote television sketches using the pen name Gerald Wiley?

Ronald "Ronnie" William George Barker (1929-2005) was an English comic actor, comedian and writer. When writing, he often used the pen name Gerald Wiley. Barker is best known for being on the popular television variety show 'The Two Ronnies' alongside his long-time comedy partner, Ronnie Corbett (1930-2016).

After a brief time acting on stage, Barker started in the sitcoms 'Open All Hours', 'Porridge' and 'Going Straight'. He became known for his comic style, which was also reflected in his written work. To stop people prejudging his writing, he used the pseudonym Gerald Wiley amongst other names. He won a British Academy Television Award (BAFTA) for best light entertainment performance four times and received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1978.

Barker's writing style was based on precise scripts, perfect timing, spoonerisms and double entendres. He often wrote of and acted as authority figures who said absurd things, while keeping a straight face. He also put a lot of energy into his performances. Notable works written by Barker (as Gerald Wiley) include 'Futtock's End' (1969) and 'His Lordship Entertains' (1972).

'The Two Ronnies' was one of Barker's greatest success. It ran from 1971 to 1987 and featured many scripts based on misunderstandings, the majority of which Barker wrote as Wiley. The show always ended with the iconic catchphrase "It's good night from me – and it's good night from him."