Biographies

In a remarkably long career, Nicholas Parsons was also one half of a hugely successful comedy double act, held down an extended run in West End theatre, and was a successful host on both radio and television.

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

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.

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.

"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."