Delighting audiences with her scene-stealing performances in films, television, and theatre, Esma Cannon, with her pixie-like appearance and dotty charm, was one of the most beloved and versatile actresses of her generation
The iconic British actress graced radio, stage and television. From BBC Radio’s early days to her legendary role as Ena Sharples in Coronation Street where Ena held court at The Rovers Return, Violet Carson wrote herself into television legend
An iconic figure in children’s entertainment and one of the most popular and likeable entertainers on the small screen
From his unforgettable laugh in Only Fools and Horses to his commanding presence in dramas, comedies, and stage work, John Challis carved out a career that made him one of Britain’s most beloved character actors
Ernest Clark, renowned as one of Britain's most distinguished actors, effortlessly navigated between the works of Shakespeare and his memorable portrayal in the smash hit Doctor in the House
Wanting to be a sports star, and very capable of being one too, Chuck Connors instead became a very watchable star of television and film, appearing in over 100 productions.
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.
James Cossins was a prolific and instantly recognisable actor who was always in demand, even though he was destined to be one of those character actors, with over 150 screen roles, whose name didn't always spring to mind. We celebrate this unsung hero
Best known for his roles in television comedy dramas and films, often portraying eccentric characters such as scientists, teachers, and doctors, Graham Crowden was an instantly recognisable character actor whose career is too often overlooked
As founders of the prolific production company Danziger Photoplays, Edward J. and Harry Lee became the most financially successful independent television producers in the UK during the 1950s...But by 1965 they had moved out of television production altogether
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.
His sinister charm and twinkling eyes captivated audiences. A timeless villain, forever etched in our hearts
Described variously as the 'last great music-hall entertainer', 'the clown prince of comedy' and 'the squire of Knotty Ash', Ken Dodd tickled the British public for over 60 years. His live shows were legendary...and long! - "This isn't television, missus," he'd say, "you can't turn me off."
Jack Douglas, the man who made twitching an art form with a face that was as expressive as a mime trapped in a wind tunnel. You might remember him from the Carry On films, where he perfected the art of looking perpetually startled
Charlie Drake delighted audiences with his slapstick comic antics in stage variety shows and on television for more than 50 years, often playing a downtrodden "everyman," who failed at everything he tried. Not so in real life.
For those who grew up watching Dad’s Army, Clive Dunn is not just an actor; he is a cherished memory, a reminder of a time when television had the power to bring people together and make them laugh
Though not as widely remembered as some of her contemporaries, Noel Dyson's body of work remains an important part of British television and film history. Her versatility as a character actress made her an enduring favourite
Throughout his life Paul Eddington battled with a crippling disease. But as one of the leading stars in two of the nation's favourite comedies, it didn't stop him from cementing his place in the hearts and minds of the British public.
A larger-than-life figure in every sense, Jimmy Edwards, with a mixture of bravado and vulnerability, made the nation laugh while carrying scars, both visible and hidden, from a life touched by war, fame, and personal struggle
Fondly remembered as Russ Abbott's comic foil to his Cooperman character, Bella Emberg, aka Blunderwoman, became a household name in the UK in the 1980s
His private life was littered with failed marriages and affairs and his shows are hardly seen any more, but Dick Emery was watched by millions of viewers every week
From music hall roots to film and television fame, Fred Emney charmed audiences with his larger-than-life persona and impeccable comic timing. Read the remarkable story of the star who was known to many as “the posh bloke with a monocle and a cigar.”
Remembering the quintessential fictional 'spiv' Arthur English, who off stage was a humble man, as kind in spirit as he was funny on it
John Esmonde and Bob Larbey have unquestionably been responsible for some of British comedy's best loved programmes. From the comfort of suburbia in The Good Life to the darker world of Mulberry, the writers have given us some of the most memorable characters on television.
Best known to television audiences for his role as gunner 'Lofty' Sugden in the long running BBC sitcom 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum', The 4ft 9in actor became a household name almost overnight
Television Heaven pays tribute to the man whose distinctive voice, dishevelled appearance, and incredible talent made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.