Biographies

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.

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.

With his quick wit, exaggerated posh accent and a comical use of elongated vowels, Kenneth Williams endeared himself to the British public as a true eccentric. But no matter how successful he became he never achieved the self-esteem he longed for. And in the end - it proved tragically self-destructive...

Mike and Bernie Winters were gifted and appealing professionals whose canny brand of rough and smooth comedy routines added much welcomed laughter to the nation's television screens.

She was as adept at producing touching drama as she was belly-aching comedy. Victoria Wood brought laughter and tears to audiences with a gentle, soulful reality that is hard to find in the comedy world she has left behind.

From his early days on the stage to his groundbreaking roles on the screen, Edward Woodward consistently captivated audiences with his immense talent and undeniable charisma

Harry Worth perfected the role of the perpetually bemused, exasperated, but endearing misfit who was always one step behind the rest of the world

Best known as a pioneering British television personality, producer, and presenter who became a beloved figure in children's television during the mid-20th century Muriel Young played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of children's entertainment