'On the Buses' Star Reg Varney 1916-2008 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-16-2008, 01:28 PM

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On the Buses actor Reg Varney died today, his daughter said.
The actor died following a short illness in a nursing home in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, at the age of 92.

His daughter, Jeanne Marley, 59, said he died “peacefully” just before 2pm.

Varney, who played main character Stan Butler in the 1970s sitcom, was born in London’s East End but had lived in Devon for the past 20 years.

After leaving school he took various menial jobs before becoming an actor after showing a flair for performance in working men’s clubs.

During the Second World War he joined the Royal Electrical Engineers but carried on being an entertainer in various music halls.

He had a number of roles in different TV shows before achieving fame in his role in On The Buses, which began in 1969 and ran for seven series.

Afterwards Varney took on a number of film roles although it was On The Buses that he continued to be most recognised for.

In later years he went abroad on tour with a cabaret show.

Mrs Marley said he had only recently been admitted to the nursing home after he had begun suffering from a chest infection.

She said: “He’s always been very young for his age, when he was in On The Buses he was playing a 35-year-old, but he was actually 50.”

Varney, who had lived alone since his wife Lilian died in 2002, is survived by his daughter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

His funeral has yet to be arranged.

Mikado · 11-25-2008, 02:52 PM

I was quite surprised at how old he was, I didnt realise he was almost 50 when the show began (he looked much younger!). Great show, its too bad hes gone but, he did lead a long and successful life, who can ask for more?

thealbertross · 01-08-2009, 03:12 PM

i was very sad to hear this news in november, but now 2 months on, im just starting to get over it.

I am such a fan of on the buses and reg was in many ways a hero - so sad to see him go

11-16-2008, 01:28 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,392	'On the Buses' Star Reg Varney 1916-2008 Link On the Buses actor Reg Varney died today, his daughter said. The actor died following a short illness in a nursing home in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, at the age of 92. His daughter, Jeanne Marley, 59, said he died “peacefully” just before 2pm. Varney, who played main character Stan Butler in the 1970s sitcom, was born in London’s East End but had lived in Devon for the past 20 years. After leaving school he took various menial jobs before becoming an actor after showing a flair for performance in working men’s clubs. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Electrical Engineers but carried on being an entertainer in various music halls. He had a number of roles in different TV shows before achieving fame in his role in On The Buses, which began in 1969 and ran for seven series. Afterwards Varney took on a number of film roles although it was On The Buses that he continued to be most recognised for. In later years he went abroad on tour with a cabaret show. Mrs Marley said he had only recently been admitted to the nursing home after he had begun suffering from a chest infection. She said: “He’s always been very young for his age, when he was in On The Buses he was playing a 35-year-old, but he was actually 50.” Varney, who had lived alone since his wife Lilian died in 2002, is survived by his daughter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His funeral has yet to be arranged.
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01-08-2009, 03:12 PM	#3
thealbertross Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 08, 2009 Posts: 14	i was very sad to hear this news in november, but now 2 months on, im just starting to get over it. I am such a fan of on the buses and reg was in many ways a hero - so sad to see him go
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11-25-2008, 02:52 PM	#2
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,886	I was quite surprised at how old he was, I didnt realise he was almost 50 when the show began (he looked much younger!). Great show, its too bad hes gone but, he did lead a long and successful life, who can ask for more?