In his lifetime Nat Hiken was known as the 'King of the Half Hour' and was rewarded with eight Emmy Awards. But in later years his contribution to television has been forgotten far too easily. It is time to look back and remember one of the giants of the small screen.
With the passing of Benny Hill, the world of comedy lost one of its greatest clowns. He broke the language barrier in much the same way as his idols; Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin and his impact on a generation can easily be compared with these masters of mirth.
From gritty realism to epic fantasy, Bernard Hill’s performances carried the weight of ordinary men and mythic kings. His voice, his presence — always grounded, always unforgettable
From an impoverished and painful beginning, she rose to become a hugely talented actress whose resilience, generosity and kindness was much admired by her contemporaries
In a career that spanned 80 years Dame Thora Hird appeared in countless stage productions, more than 100 films, some of television's best-known comedies, and prestigious award winning dramas.
Bob Hope was a one-of-a-kind entertainer. Vaudeville, stage, film, radio and television-he did it all. Friend to presidents, pal to soldiers in battle, master of the quick one-liners. His performances won him the admiration of such comedians as WC Fields, Charlie Chaplin and Woody Allen.
With his trademark "oohs" and "aahs", Frankie Howerd rose to the very pinnacle of comedic success in the United Kingdom and in spite of a few ups and downs managed to stay there for almost fifty years.
“He was funny, kind, encouraging and extremely down to earth - what he wanted most was simply to make people laugh.”
Rod Hull and Emu was an act loved equally by children and adults. But when his career turned sour, Hull came to dislike the puppet that had bought him fame and fortune, and eventually his riches would disappear altogether.
Russell Hunter enjoyed a long and varied career in theatre, film and television but a generation of fans best remembers him for his role as Lonely, the timid and smelly small-time thief and burglar and the only 'friend' of the cynical and lonely assassin Callan
Although she presented an imposing figure on screen Hattie Jacques managed to play a diverse range of roles when she may so easily have become typecast. Eric Sykes summed her up perfectly when he said, "She was one of the best comedy actresses we have ever had and a very lovely lady."
With his battered features, wicked leer and possibly the most recognisable laugh in show business, Sid James appeared to the world as a streetwise Cockney ex-heavyweight boxer. But Sid was no more an East End boy than he was a fighter.
Critic, journalist, broadcaster, writer and raconteur - Clive James achieved mainstream success in the UK with a series of shows that highlighted his acerbic wit and self deprecating sense of humour
Lionel Jeffries was an actor whose career spanned over five decades, took in over 150 films and left an indelible mark on British cinema. His extensive body of work showcased his versatility and talent, endearing him to audiences across generations
Remembering Ken Jones, one of our favourite character actors, who appeared in a combination of over a hundred TV shows and films during a hugely successful career
One of the most influential television producers of a generation, Philip Jones presided over a galaxy of stars. He brought Benny Hill to ITV, provided Kenny Everett his own hit series and gave The Beatles their first national television exposure.
With her unmistakable poise, razor-sharp timing, and the ability to suggest whole inner worlds with a single raised eyebrow, she became one of television’s most quietly magnetic figures. Yet behind her polished performances lay a life marked by private struggle
An influential figure in the world of British television comedy during the 1960s and 70s, actor and comedian John Junkin wrote scripts for numerous TV shows and for many comedians, including Ted Ray, Jim Davidson, Bob Monkhouse and Mike Yarwood.
They say that from small acorns mighty oaks grow, and if the old phrase can be applied to television stardom then we need look no further than much-loved comic actor Gorden Kaye for supporting evidence.
One of the most recognisable voices and faces of Irish stage and screen, David Kelly was loved and respected by his co-stars and the public alike.
A familiar face on TV and Films in the 1960s and 1970s, Dermot Kelly was a versatile and charismatic actor who brought laughter and joy to many audiences with his comic roles
He may not have been a household name in the way that some of his fellow actors were, but to those who knew Sam Kelly, he was a true gem of British television. Television Heaven pays tribute to one of Britain's favourite character actors
Australian Bill Kerr carved himself an enduring place among an elite generation of comedians who changed the face of British comedy after the Second World War.
Roy Kinnear's remarkable career ensured that he remained at the top of his profession for nearly 30 years, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim
One of Britain's favourite character actors, Ronald Lacey carved a niche in film and television with a face that defied convention and a talent that transcended typecasting. A Master of the Macabre and the Memorable
Described as a "total one-off - a magnificently, madly, inspirationally talented drama producer," Verity Lambert made the television drama genre utterly her own. Her career spanned the eras, from the first episode of Doctor Who through to Jonathan Creek and beyond, her shows were enduring and her talent unique
One critic once wrote when reviewing Geoffrey Lancashire's work, "If Geoffrey Lancashire didn't exist, he would have to have been invented."
As one of the most prolific television producers of all time, Glen A. Larson created more top-rated audience pleasers than any other showrunner. The critics hated his shows and other detractors claimed none of them were his original work
With a career spanning over five decades, Dilys Laye graced the West End, Broadway, and screen, starring in iconic productions like the "Carry On" films. Her talent extended to Shakespearean plays, musicals, and television
"I’m as good as Judi Dench, I’m sure I am." Television Heaven pays tribute to an actress who left behind a remarkable body of work