Monday, May 27, 2013

Dad's Army Star Bill Pertwee Dies Aged 86



Dad's Army Star Bill Pertwee Dies Aged 86


By

Bill Pertwee, who played Warden Hodges in Dad's Army, has died at the age of 86.

His agent Meg Poole said he died peacefully on Monday with his family around him.

The actor was known for his role as the air raid warden in the classic 1970s comedy.

Ms Poole said: "He was a really, really nice man. Very bright, very intelligent.

"He came from a big theatrical family, a big show business family, and like all of them it was his life and it was very important to him and he was a hugely professional, very clever man."

Pertwee became the subject of internet rumours last year after the British Comedy Guide website reported that he had died on December 1, 2012.

The story - although unsubstantiated - circulated widely on Twitter.

At the time Doctor Who actor Colin Baker wrote: "Just heard about Bill Pertwee - lovely man - did a play with him - he was a true gent. V sad."

Pertwee's wife died several years ago and he is survived by his son, Jonathan.

Pertwee's death means that Ian Lavender (Private Frank Pike) and Frank Williams (the Reverend Timothy Farthing) are the only surviving members of the original cast.