A stalwart comedy performer in programmes like The Benny Hill Show (1965-66), Bowness took character roles in sitcoms such as Hi-Di-Hi! (1980-88) playing jockey Fred Quilley; You Rang M’Lord? (1990-93) and Oh, Doctor Beeching! (1996-97). He was also a popular warm up man, for Terry Wogan’s chat show among others.