Biographies

His distinctive voice and facial features made him one of the most well know personalities on television. Television Heaven remembers one of British TV's true greats...

British actress who successfully navigated the paths between television, cinema and theatre and became an unsung hero before she was finally recognised as a national treasure

Margaret Rutherford remains one of the most beloved character actresses in British cinematic history. With her unmistakable presence, eccentric mannerisms, and innate sense of comedic timing, she carved out a unique space in the golden age of British film and theatre

Television Heaven honours a legendary actress forever associated with some of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms

"(With) so little of his earlier days surviving the dreaded wiping cull of many old shows, it’s remarkable just how little Terry Scott material remains"

His infectious laugh and schoolboy sense of humour instantly endeared him to a generation of fans.

A comedic powerhouse of British TV and cinema, Joan Sims captivated generations with her unforgettable charm and wit and was equally adept at straight drama, although she will always be remembered as the mainstay of the Carry On franchise

With more than 4300 hours of television behind him, Aaron Spelling was the most productive television producer in history. He may not have lifted the culture of the viewing public, but he had the knack of entertaining them.

Spooner's life story is as much the chronicle of the growth and development of a plethora of classic series as it is that of a complex and accomplished talent.

Best remembered as ‘Hunter’, the ruthless and manipulative head of a government security unit known as The Section in the television series Callan, a role that left an enduring mark on 1970s British television. Television Heaven remembers a memorable figure in the world of the espionage genre

Best known for portraying the formidable Nora Batty in Last of the Summer Wine, actress Kathy Staff won the affection of the nation with her wrinkled stockings, hair curlers, and a no-nonsense attitude, which made her a television legend

Sheila Steafel captivated audiences as a versatile character actor, her unique features a canvas for the roles she embodied, each glance infused with playful mischief or an insightful sparkle

With her charming smile, distinctive voice, and undeniable talent, Una Stubbs was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

It’s not often that a sitcom character achieves cult status - but it's not often that the character is played by one of the most beloved actresses on stage and screen.

As the writer of one of Britain's all-time favourite sitcoms, John Sullivan joined a unique group of scriptwriters, whose names became almost as well-known as their television creations.

The very best comedy has always sported an essential core of warm humanity. For decades of British television viewers no one conveyed that warmth or humanity more successfully than the great Eric Sykes.

Talfryn Thomas was a distinctive and much-loved Welsh character actor, recognisable for his buck-toothed appearance, eccentric energy, and scene-stealing screen presence. His life was cut tragically short at the age of 60

Although initially he didn't think much of television, during his 70 years as an actor, Frank Thornton became one of the best known faces on the small screen, and in the process he became one of our best loved comedy actors.

Best remembered for his appearances in Benny Hill's sketches, or a comic foil to others, Bob Todd came late into showbusiness but built a steady reputation as a mimic, stage and radio performer

"You see, I think acting is magic. If I tell you all about myself it will spoil it. It's like a conjuror showing you how he does his tricks. If you can see how it's being done it takes away all the magic."

In a country famed for its literary giants, Stanley Unwin stands out alone as a man recognised and lauded for his oratory, not because he was an exceptional speaker of the English language, but because he invented his own language, "Unwinese."

Best known for her role as Ethel Mertz on the American sitcom classic 'I Love Lucy', Vivian Vance first had to win over the show's star first and then work with an actor who despised her. Mike Spadoni looks back on the career of an actress who was "second banana to none."

Best known as the cheeky bus driver Stan Butler, Reg Varney was also the master of quirky characters with a dash of British charm. We pay tribute to a relatable everyman - and it's a delightful ride you won't want to miss

From his early beginnings to his illustrious career, Peter Vaughan proved time and time again that he was a force to be reckoned with

For years television viewers in the UK would tune in to hear Kent Walton's opening line "Greetings, grapple fans" as he introduced Saturday afternoon wrestling as part of ITV's long running World of Sport programme.

Not every actor can rise above the fear of typecasting, particularly in comedy. But one man not only accepted the role that made his fortune, but he embraced it for the majority of his career

He was the man who began a sentence with a rather disinterested "Can I help you?", would listen to you explain your predicament and then frustrate you with an equally dispassionate "I'm awfully sorry, there's absolutely nothing I can do to help you."

Incredibly talented and vastly underrated character actress who for too long has been an unsung hero

The ITV weatherman who changed how weather forecasts were presented. Come rain or come shine, there was never a dull moment with Laurie West.

The term ‘national treasure’ has become as overused as any of its predecessors like ‘legendary’ and the oft-coined ‘there will never be another.’ But in the late Dame June Whitfield, it’s safe to say that the term was fully merited.