Biographies

As Cathy Gale in The Avengers, Honor Blackman not only altered public perception of women in television, she re-characterized the role and kick-started the whole 1960s 'second wave' feminist movement.

On TV, movies or the theatre he has undoubtedly been regarded as one of Britain’s unsung heroes for too long. Bernard Bresslaw was one of Britain’s foremost actors who entertained us for over forty years.

A stalwart of the 'Carry On' franchise and a familiar face on television, one of Britain's favourite comedy actors, Peter Butterworth, was instantly recognisable and unquestionably admired. But before becoming an actor Butterworth was a war veteran who was involved in 'The Great Escape'.

Simon Cadell's untimely death at the age of 45 robbed us of a jewel of an actor. Brian Slade, who has written Cadell's authorised biography, takes a look back at a brief, but remarkable career.

Modest, warm-hearted and an accomplished comedienne in her own right but often the comic foil for some of the funniest stars on television, the unforgettable Pat Coombs voice was instantly recognised on radio as was her face on television.

Some comedic talents are relatively simple to define. Some are much more difficult to encapsulate. Some, well, some are just pure...magic.

"Most of my life I have been lucky. I've not always had the money, but I have always been able to act out any part I want to play, whether it's professional on stage or before a real camera; or what passes for real life."

Ronnie Corbett achieved such fame as one of the Two Ronnies that his solo career was often eclipsed. But his status as a national treasure and a much-loved household name was as much down to his own talent as that of his comedy partner. Brian Slade looks back on a remarkable career.

A much loved character actor, best remembered for his booming voice and Welsh accent, Windsor Davies - who was actually born in East London, became one of the best known faces on British television, starring in two of the top sitcoms of the 1970s and 80s.

Once described as the best-loved fat man in Britain Les Dawson won his place in the national heart not for his corpulence but for his comedy which was unique-and for many years ahead of its time.