Elton, Benjamin Charles

1959 - Elton was born in Catford, London on May 3, 1959.

1979 - Elton studied at Godalming Grammar School and the University of Manchester.

1980 - After leaving the university, Elton became a stand-up comedian and comedy writer.

1981 - Elton joined Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson at the Comedy Store in London. He was paid £15 every time he performed his comedy routine, and soon became one of the regular.

1985 - Elton produced his first solo script the comedy-drama series Happy Families and began his successful writing partnership with Richard Curtis.

1988 - Elton published his first novel, Stark.

1990 - Elton starred in his own sitcom entitled The Man from Auntie.

2000 - Elton diverted his attention to film directing.