In The News

Actor Bill Pertwee passes away

Actor Bill Pertwee passes away

THE actor Bill Pertwee, who appeared in the long-running TV series Dad’s Army, has passed away. He was 86.

Mr. Pertwee played the character of chief air raid warden Hodges in the comedy series. He appeared in all 60 episodes and also starred in the film spin-off,

With his catchphrase, “Put that light out”, he was always at odds with the show’s Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson — played by Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.

The BBC show, which ran from 1968 until 1977, won a Bafta in 1971 for best comedy.

Mr. Pertwee, who was a cousin of the actor Jon Pertwee and the writer Michael Pertwee, went on to star and appear in a number of other shows including You Rang, M’Lord?, Chance In A Million and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

His film credits included three Carry On movies. His last appearance was a small part in Run For Your wife (2012).

But for many people, he was best remembered for his work on Dad’s Army. Mr. Pertwee was a founding member and President of the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society. When a statue was unveiled in 2010 of Captain Mainwaring in Thetford (where Dad’s Army was filmed) Mr. Pertwee was one of the special guests (see below).

He was made an M.B.E. in 2006 for his services to charity.

Mr. Pertwee is survived by his son Jonathan. He wife, Marion McLeod, passed away in 2005.

To view a report on the unveiling of a statue of Captain Mainwaring in Thetford in 2010, which includes an interview with Mr. Pertwee, click here.

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