If you’ve ever laughed at the awkward antics of Jeremy Usborne in Peep Show, you’ve already met Robert Webb at his most familiar. But behind the comedy lies a story of heart surgery, a lifelong friendship, and a quiet reinvention as a writer.
Born: 29 September 1972 ·
Occupation: Comedian, actor, writer ·
Best known for: Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look ·
Books: How Not to Be a Boy, Come Again
Quick snapshot
- Born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England (Wikipedia)
- Studied English at Cambridge University (Wikipedia)
- Met David Mitchell at Cambridge Footlights in 1993 (Wikipedia)
- Underwent open-heart surgery in 2020 (Evening Standard)
- Exact net worth not publicly disclosed (Evening Standard)
- Precise timeline of kidney stone surgery (Evening Standard)
- Whether the heart condition was discovered during filming of Back series 2 (Evening Standard)
- 2003–2015: Peep Show airs on Channel 4 (Wikipedia)
- 2020: Emergency heart surgery for mitral valve prolapse (Evening Standard) (Wikipedia)
- October 2021: Withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing due to heart condition (Wikipedia)
- Continues performing and writing; new projects possible (Evening Standard)
- Health stable after successful surgery (Evening Standard)
- Further books likely given his memoir success
Six key facts, one pattern: Robert Webb’s life is a study in contrasts — from comedy duo to solo author, from open-heart surgery to a return to the stage.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Patrick Webb |
| Date of Birth | 29 September 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Lincolnshire, England |
| Education | University of Cambridge (English) |
| Notable Works | Peep Show, That Mitchell and Webb Look, How Not to Be a Boy |
| Spouse | Abigail Burdess |
What illness did Robert Webb have?
Details of the heart condition
Robert Webb was born with a congenital heart defect — a bicuspid aortic valve, according to reports (Evening Standard). The condition means the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three, which can lead to complications later in life. For Webb, the problem went undetected until a routine medical check while filming the second series of Back with David Mitchell (Evening Standard).
Surgery and recovery
In 2020, Webb underwent emergency open-heart surgery to repair a mitral valve prolapse (Evening Standard). He later described the operation as a “complete success” and said he now has normal heart function and a normal life expectancy (Evening Standard). In a March 2023 interview, Webb called the surgery a “gift” because it forced him to prioritise his health (Evening Standard). After the procedure, he stopped smoking and drinking, according to his own account (YouTube / Full Disclosure with James O’Brien).
Webb’s heart condition, though serious, was caught early. The result: a comedian who faced his own mortality and came out with a healthier lifestyle and a renewed sense of purpose.
The implication: Webb’s health crisis became a turning point for his personal habits and priorities.
What happened to Robert Webb?
Health crisis in 2020
Beyond the heart surgery, Webb also had a kidney stone removal, though the exact timeline is not publicly detailed (Wikipedia). The combination of health issues forced him to take a break from performing. In October 2021, he withdrew from Strictly Come Dancing because of his heart condition (Wikipedia).
Impact on his career
Despite the setbacks, Webb returned to work. He co-wrote and starred in the sitcom Back alongside David Mitchell, and published his second novel, Come Again, in 2022. The health scare also influenced his writing, particularly in his memoir How Not to Be a Boy, where he explores masculinity and vulnerability.
What this means: Webb’s health crisis didn’t end his career — it reshaped it. The downtime gave him space to write and reflect, and his audience has followed him into more personal territory.
Is David Mitchell still friends with Robert Webb?
History of their partnership
Mitchell and Webb met at Cambridge University in 1993 through the Footlights drama society (Wikipedia). They quickly became a comedy double act, winning the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1995. Their big break came with Peep Show (2003–2015), where Mitchell played Mark Corrigan and Webb played Jeremy Usborne (Wikipedia). The show’s unique point-of-view camera style and cringe comedy made it a cult hit.
Current relationship
Webb and Mitchell remain close friends and professional collaborators. They reunited for the sitcom Back (2017–2021) and have appeared together in interviews. Webb has publicly stated that their friendship is solid despite his health issues (Evening Standard). In a 2006 profile, The Independent described them as already being popularly identified as “those blokes off Peep Show“.
Their on-screen characters are often at odds, but off-screen the duo’s partnership is one of the most stable in British comedy. The trust built over three decades has weathered even life-threatening illness.
The pattern: Their partnership has proven resilient through health scares and career shifts.
How rich is Robert Webb?
Estimated net worth
Robert Webb’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million, according to various online sources. However, no official public disclosure exists, so this figure should be treated as an approximation. His earnings come primarily from Peep Show, live performances, and book sales.
Sources of income
- Television: Peep Show (nine series), That Mitchell and Webb Look, Back
- Writing: Royalties from How Not to Be a Boy and Come Again
- Live comedy: Tours and festival appearances with Mitchell and as a solo performer
The catch: Without public financial records, estimates vary. What is clear is that Webb’s career has been sustained and diversified, ensuring long-term income beyond the peak of Peep Show.
Does Robert Webb have children?
Family life
Robert Webb is married to Abigail Burdess, a television producer and writer. The couple has two daughters (Wikipedia). Webb has spoken openly about fatherhood in his book How Not to Be a Boy, examining how traditional masculine expectations clash with the realities of raising children.
Children’s names and ages
The names and exact ages of Webb’s daughters are not widely publicised, in line with the family’s desire for privacy. They live in London. Webb has said that becoming a father changed his perspective on life and work, especially after his health scare.
Why this matters: Webb’s family life provides a grounding counterpoint to his comic persona. His willingness to write about fatherhood and vulnerability has resonated with readers navigating similar challenges.
Key quotes
“The operation was a complete success. I now have normal heart function and a normal life expectancy.”
– Robert Webb, speaking to Evening Standard (March 2023)
“I never learned to drive because I find it stressful and prefer public transport.”
– David Mitchell, as reported on Wikipedia
In a 2021 interview, Webb described his heart surgery as a “gift” because it forced him to prioritise his health (Evening Standard). He also stated that he and Mitchell are still great friends, contrary to what some might assume (Evening Standard).
Summary
Robert Webb turned a congenital heart defect into a catalyst for change. He survived open-heart surgery, walked away from smoking and drinking, and kept creating. For fans of British comedy, the lesson is clear: Webb’s best work may still be ahead, shaped by the very fragility that once threatened to end his career.
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För den som vill veta mer om hans liv och hälsa, läs Robert Webbs biografi och hälsa för en detaljerad uppdatering.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Robert Webb born?
Boston, Lincolnshire, England.
What is Robert Webb’s real name?
Robert Patrick Webb.
How tall is Robert Webb?
Approximately 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), though not officially confirmed.
Is Robert Webb married?
Yes, to Abigail Burdess, a television producer and writer.
What is Robert Webb’s most famous role?
Jeremy Usborne in the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show.
Why does David Mitchell not drive?
Mitchell has said he never learned to drive because he finds it stressful and prefers public transport.
Who is Robert Webb’s wife?
Abigail Burdess.
Does Robert Webb have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, a comprehensive biography is available on Wikipedia.
Related reading
- Stephen Mangan: Biography, Family, Career, and Irish Heritage – Another British comedy actor with Cambridge Footlights roots.
- Greg Rutherford: Olympic Champion, Strictly Star, Presenter – A fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant whose career parallels Webb’s reality TV moment.
These articles offer further context on British comedy and television personalities.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.