[1][2] Born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, Rowley was educated at the St Augustine's Catholic School as a child.
After leaving school he had jobs as a shower fitter, a manager of a 10-pin bowling alley, a magician, a bingo caller and a shopkeeper.
As a result, professional darts organisations put in rules banning the drinking of alcohol during a match.
[1][2] Rowley then went on to write sketches for other shows and people, including Alas Smith and Jones, Hale and Pace, Scotch and Wry, Spitting Image, Naked Video, A Kick Up the Eighties and Clive Anderson Talks Back.
[3] At the time of his death, Rowley was working on a semi-serious book about the history of ancient Egypt, a radio play and speeches.