Frank Thornton dies at the age of 92

Actor Frank Thornton, best known for his role as Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served?, has died at the age of 92.

Frank Thornton died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Barnes, London, on Saturday, his agent David Daly announced.

Also known for his role as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine, Frank Thornton also starred in comedies such as Hancock’s Half Hour and The Goodies.

Frank Thornton is survived by Beryl, his wife of 67 years, their daughter Jane and three grandchildren.

Are You Being Served? co-creator Jeremy Lloyd said he was “very sad to hear this news”.

“He was a great friend and consummate performer who was the glue who really held Are You Being Served? together,” he said.

“He will continue to give people enjoyment,” Jeremy Lloyd added.

Frank Thornton appeared in several episodes of Steptoe and Son, which made him the most recurring actor in the series other than the main stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett.

In later years, he had a role in ITV soap Emmerdale as Bert Dingle.

Frank Thornton’s film credits included Carry On Screaming!, Some Will, Some Won’t alongside Thora Hird, Wilfrid Brambell and Ronnie Corbett, No Sex Please, We’re British and Gosford Park.

But it was his role as Captain Stephen Peacock in the long-running Are You Being Served? that he was best known for.With its innuendo-laden comedy and slapstick humor, the sitcom was a huge hit.

Set in a department store, the show also starred John Inman, Molly Sugden and Wendy Richard.

Frank Thornton played the pompous store walker, who bragged about his military exploits during the war and looked down on junior staff.

Are You Being Served? ran from 1972 to 1985 and often attracted audiences of more than 20 million.

Frank Thornton reprised the role of Captain Peacock for the spin-off show, Grace and Favour, in 1992.

His theatre credits included the West End musical Me & My Girl in 1984, for which he was nominated for an Olivier award for his role as Sir John Tremayne.

Of the original main cast of Are You Being Served?, Nicholas Smith – who played Mr. Rumbold – is now the only surviving cast member.

Frank Thornton’s role in Last of the Summer Wine was another long-running character for the actor.

Arriving in the 1997 Christmas special, Frank Thornton was brought in to play Truly of The Yard, a retired Metropolitan Police Officer, replacing original actor Brian Wilde when was struck down by shingles.

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