198 replies to this topic

[Octopus of Odstock]

Guest, on Nov 15 2006, 03:02 PM, said:

Sorry to say, my father, John Drury - Sousaphone player with Shep's Banjo Boys on The Commedians, passed away in 1991. However, I am certain he is still performing

Thanks for that information. I had no idea, and sorry to hear of his passing, even though it was back in 1991. I share you sentiments in the hope he is still performing.

[maryportfuncity]

Sorry to say, my father, John Drury - Sousaphone player with Shep's Banjo Boys on The Commedians, passed away in 1991. However, I am certain he is still performing.

Who is? Yer dad? Respect, could you please put me in touch with the doctors capable of conjuring a performance from a dead man!

[Anubis the Jackal]

maryportfuncity, on Nov 15 2006, 09:32 PM, said:

could you please put me in touch with the doctors capable of conjuring a performance from a dead man!

Whilst not strictly speaking a doctor, Blues singer Lucille Bogan (1897-1948) may have been up for the challenge, MPFC.



"I got nipples on my titties big as the end of my thumb, I got something between my legs to make a dead man come." Shave 'em Dry (1935)



Later nicked by the Rolling Stones for 'Start Me Up.'

[Tuber Mirum]

Anubis the Jackal, on Nov 16 2006, 05:43 PM, said:

maryportfuncity, on Nov 15 2006, 09:32 PM, said:

could you please put me in touch with the doctors capable of conjuring a performance from a dead man!

Whilst not strictly speaking a doctor, Blues singer Lucille Bogan (1897-1948) may have been up for the challenge, MPFC.



"I got nipples on my titties big as the end of my thumb, I got something between my legs to make a dead man come." Shave 'em Dry (1935)



Later nicked by the Rolling Stones for 'Start Me Up.'

That'll be where Mrs Slocombe got: "Has anybody seen my pussy?" from as well.

[JR976evil]

There are quite a few aged comic writers still about, though very possibly not for much longer. Longtime writing partners Jimmy Perry (b. 1923) and David Croft (b. 1922) responsible for Dad's Army, Hi-De-Hi, Allo Allo among others, also Jeremy Lloyd (b. 1930).

Roy Clarke, recently bestowed with a lifetime achievement award, turns 81 on Friday.

Ray Galton (b. 1930) and Alan Simpson (b. 1929) creators of Hancock and Steptoe and Son, have the distinction of having long outlived their main stars.

Frank Carson (b. 1926) still active reportedly but not in the rudest of health, has a pacemaker...
Shelley Berman (b. 1925) perhaps best-known nowadays for playing Larry David's father on CYE.
Dick Van Dyke (b. 1925)
Carl Reiner (b. 1922) veteran actor, writer and director, seen recently in the Ocean's Trilogy
Sid Caesar (b. 1922)
Jonathan Winters (b. 1925)
Don Rickles (b. 1926)
Mel Brooks (b. 1926)
Jack Smethurst (b. 1932) best known for playing Eddie Booth in Love Thy Neighbour

Edited by heaven can wait, 26 January 2011 - 06:55 PM.
topics merged

[JR976evil]

Also veteran comic actor Paul Dooley (b. 1928) appeared in many sitcoms and films over the years, notably as Dennis Christopher's exasperated father in the great Breaking Away, recently seen in the recurring role of Cheryl's dad in CYE

[JR976evil]

Guest, on Feb 22 2011, 05:01 PM, said:

maryportfuncity, on Sep 3 2006, 10:53 AM, said:

The Comedians was massive once over but it's strange that IMBD - normally a mecca for anorak who know their facts - doesn't post a birthdate for half the performers. Has anyone around the UK noticed the likes of Charlie Daze playing a local club? How many of this lot are still alive? Some of them will be well into their seventies now, late nights, loadsa fags and drink, stressful job. We could have us some future winners here.

Jim Bowen has suffered 2 strokes in the past few days http://www.bbc.co.uk...ashire-12540642

Nothing particularly super, smashing or great about that for him

[themaninblack]

Roger Hancock, brother of Tony and agent to various writers and performers, died on April 23rd, same day as one of his clients, John Sullivan...

[maryportfuncity]

I bought Barry Cryer's autobiography, little more than a series of anecdotes, on CD and listened to it last week. Hancock was his agent, it never occured to me he was still alive this year. Cryer, Sykes and Norden must be starting to feel very lonely.

[JR976evil]

maryportfuncity, on Jul 15 2011, 11:13 AM, said:

I bought Barry Cryer's autobiography, little more than a series of anecdotes, on CD and listened to it last week. Hancock was his agent, it never occured to me he was still alive this year. Cryer, Sykes and Norden must be starting to feel very lonely.

On the upside, plenty of old chums waiting for them

[TAFKAG]

John Howard Davies, former BBC Head of Comedy and director/producer of many sitcoms, has died. Also saw off Benny Hill at Thames TV, I believe.

[themaninblack]

TAFKAG, on Aug 23 2011, 12:27 PM, said:

John Howard Davies, former BBC Head of Comedy and director/producer of many sitcoms, has died. Also saw off Benny Hill at Thames TV, I believe.

A legendary producer and of course the original screen Oliver Twist...

[notaguest]

TAFKAG, on Aug 23 2011, 12:27 PM, said:

John Howard Davies, former BBC Head of Comedy and director/producer of many sitcoms, has died. Also saw off Benny Hill at Thames TV, I believe.

Probably his greatest acheivment was that he produced and directed the first series of Fawlty Towers..probably the greatest comedy of all time.A sad loss indeed

[TAFKAG]

Sitcom writing legend David Croft has died. Don't panic!

[Magere Hein]

TAFKAG, on Sep 27 2011, 03:59 PM, said:

Sitcom writing legend David Croft has died. Don't panic!

I was just waiting to see who'd be the first to spot that one.

A big loss for comedy.

regards,
Hein

[Phantom]

Magere Hein, on Sep 27 2011, 02:10 PM, said:

TAFKAG, on Sep 27 2011, 03:59 PM, said:

Sitcom writing legend David Croft has died. Don't panic!

I was just waiting to see who'd be the first to spot that one.

A big loss for comedy.

regards,
Hein

Saw that about an hour ago, but had to get my daughter on the school bus then couldn't find the proper thread for it.
Loved Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum.

Wasn't a great fan of Allo Allo, but did enjoy Gordon Kaye's performance as Elwood P. Dowd in a stage production of Harvey at Wimbledon Theatre. He starred alongside Frank Thornton.

Used to get Don Estelle setting up a stall each Christmas at the Arndale Center in Wandsworth desperately trying to sell his albums

[JR976evil]

TAFKAG, on Sep 27 2011, 02:59 PM, said:

Sitcom writing legend David Croft has died. Don't panic!

Wonder if Clive will make it to the service?

[Spade_Cooley]

BBC already nabbed "You have been watching...." as the obit line. Bad luck MIB.

[themaninblack]

Spade_Cooley, on Sep 27 2011, 05:17 PM, said:

BBC already nabbed "You have been watching...." as the obit line. Bad luck MIB.

Don't worry Spade, I have something else...