Birth name

Kenneth Arthur Dodd was his birth name; "Ken" is a short form. LOC lists Dodd, Ken, 1927–2018 (LOC; BBC obituary). He was knighted late in life (Sir Ken Dodd).

Career: tickling sticks, marathon shows, Happiness

Dodd was one of Britain's best-known stand-up and variety comedians, famous for marathon live shows, the Diddymen characters, and the feather "tickling stick." His 1964 recording "Happiness" became a signature song. He worked theatres and television for more than six decades, remaining closely identified with Liverpool's Knotty Ash (BBC; NYT obituary).

He died in March 2018 at age 90. Memorials emphasized his work ethic and old-school variety tradition rather than film stardom.

Ken Dodd Happiness / greatest hits CD Ken Dodd live stand-up DVD collections biographies of British variety comedians

Why the "real name" question matters

Search interest in a celebrity's "real name" usually means one of three things: a shortened everyday form (Tom for Thomas, Dave for David), a middle name used as a stage handle (Drake-style), or a true legal/professional change after immigration or branding. This sprint page states which case applies, cites library or encyclopedia authorities where possible, and avoids gossip. Career sections stay high-level and sourced so Domain Bot can add internal/external links without rewriting the biography. Living subjects are limited to public facts; memorials avoid graphic detail.