Robert Michael Thompson (18 November 1911 – 16 April 1988) was an English stand-up comedian, actor and entertainer from Penshaw, Sunderland.
After leaving school at fifteen, he started work at North Biddick Colliery, earning seven shillings and sixpence a week.
In 1982, Thompson married his housekeeper, Eleanor Cicely Palmer, more commonly known as Cissy Ward (née Wake).
Famous for his broad Pitmatic accent, self-deprecating humour and mastery of the mother-in-law joke, Thompson was affectionately known as The Little Waster due to his short stature, which he often played on during his act.
Personal problems and his health affected his career in the 1970s, but he remained a North East favourite, particularly on the club scene, until his death.