Talfryn Thomas

John Talfryn Thomas, born in Swansea on 31 October 1922, was a distinctive and much-loved Welsh character actor, recognisable for his buck-toothed appearance, eccentric energy, and scene-stealing screen presence. Best known for a string of memorable supporting roles in British television during the 1960s and 1970s, Thomas made his mark as Private Cheeseman in Dad's Army (1973–1974) and the morally dubious Tom Price in Survivors (1975). He also appeared alongside Jon Pertwee in two Doctor Who serials.

Before his acting career, Thomas trained as an instrument mechanic and joined the local amateur dramatic society. His life took a dramatic turn during World War II, when he served as a rear gunner on a Lancaster bomber with the Royal Air Force. He flew multiple missions into Germany and survived a horrific crash that claimed the lives of all his crewmates. Acting became a form of therapy in the aftermath, and he went on to formally train at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

After honing his craft in provincial theatre, he began making television appearances, beginning in 1959 with an uncredited role in the series Interpol Calling. His first credited role was in The Citadel, an adaptation of A.J. Cronin’s novel. From there, he became a constant presence on British screens, taking on character roles in series such as No Hiding Place, Ghost Squad, Sergeant Cork, Adam Adamant Lives!, Crossroads, The Avengers, The Champions, The Persuaders!, Coronation Street, King of the Castle, and Dixon of Dock Green.

Nicknamed “Talf the Teeth” within the industry, Thomas was known for his uncanny ability to command attention, even in ensemble casts. In Dad's Army, he seamlessly stepped into the role of Private Cheeseman following the gap left by the death of Private Walker actor James Beck, managing to hold his own alongside iconic performers like Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, and Arnold Ridley. His trademark round "National Health" glasses had already become a visual hallmark across many of his performances (and long before John Lennon made them fashionable).

Thomas also showcased his comedic talent as a regular support act for Ken Dodd, appearing in various radio and television programmes, including Funny You Should Say That (1972), The Ken Dodd Laughter Show (1979), and multiple editions of The Ken Dodd Show. He featured in Ronnie Barker’s anthology comedies The Ronnie Barker Playhouse (in the episode Tennyson, written by playwright Alun Owen) and Seven of One (in I'll Fly You For a Quid, with Ronnie B. doubling up as a gambling-crazed father and his grasping son) and starred as bumbling villain Prayer-Book Perce in the children’s sitcom Tottering Towers (1971–1972).

His appearances in Doctor Who included a hospital porter who informs the press of an unusual patient in Spearhead from Space (Jon Pertwee’s debut story) and a doomed miner in The Green Death. In Survivors, his portrayal of the sinister Tom Price showcased his range and ability to add depth to darker roles.

On film, Thomas appeared in Andrew Sinclair’s adaptation of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood with Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter O'Toole; like Burton, Thomas had been in the original radio play, detailing a day in the life of a small Welsh village called Llareggub (Buggerall spelt backwards). He also featured in several Children’s Film Foundation productions and made a brief, fully clothed appearance in the risqué comedy Come Play With Me (1977). A cult favourite among fans of British eccentricity, Thomas was also part of Vivian Stanshall’s surreal Sir Henry at Rawlinson End (1980), a film adaptation of the celebrated radio series.

In 1982, he returned to where his screen career had begun with a remake of The Citadel; sadly his final broadcast during his lifetime. He died from a heart attack on 4 November 1982 at the age of sixty. A posthumous episode of Hi-de-Hi! aired shortly after his death, and over a decade later, a previously unseen performance was finally shown in the BBC’s long-delayed Then Churchill Said to Me with Frankie Howerd, shelved since 1981 and only aired in 1993.

Talfryn Thomas stands as a shining example of the long line of familiar faces and unsung heroes of British television. With his distinctive appearance and memorable performances, Thomas brought a unique charm to every role he played. His ability to seamlessly blend into various characters while leaving a lasting impression on audiences is a testament to his talent. Though he may not have always been in the spotlight, Talfryn Thomas's contributions to British television can never be underestimated.