Actor Frank Thornton 1921-2013 (Captain Peacock in "Are You Being Served?") - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-18-2013, 08:25 AM

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Frank Thornton, who played Captain Peacock in BBC comedy Are You Being Served? has died at the age of 92.

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

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

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

His film credits included Carry On Screaming!, Some Will, Some Won't alongside Thora Hird, Wilfrid Brambell and Ronnie Corbett and No Sex Please, We're British.

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 humour, the sitcom was a huge hit.

Set in a department store, it also starred John Inman, Molly Sugden and Wendy Richards.

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.

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

His agent David Daly said: "I have been Frank's agent since 1986 and he has been the most wonderful client as well as being a great friend. He will be sorely missed."

Zoneboy · 03-18-2013, 08:40 AM

Marvo301 · 03-18-2013, 01:45 PM

Frank Thornton. Almost the entire cast of this show has passed on. I believe the fellow who played Mr. Rumbold and Mike Berry who replaced Trevor Bannister as the junior clerk in the Men's department are the only ones left.

Steve_uk · 04-02-2013, 06:44 PM

He was the glue that held the show together after it passed its peak. Only that cast could have carried that show with its ever appalling scripts and spin it out for so long.

hatwink · 04-16-2013, 03:05 PM

I'm sorry to hear he passed.He was the glue to that show.

03-18-2013, 08:25 AM	#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: 34,408	Actor Frank Thornton 1921-2013 (Captain Peacock in "Are You Being Served?") Link Frank Thornton, who played Captain Peacock in BBC comedy Are You Being Served? has died at the age of 92. Thornton died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Barnes, London, on Saturday, his agent David Daly said. Also known for his role as Truly in Last of the Summer Wine, the actor also starred in comedies such as Hancock's Half Hour and The Goodies. Thornton is survived by Beryl, his wife of 67 years, their daughter Jane and three grandchildren. His film credits included Carry On Screaming!, Some Will, Some Won't alongside Thora Hird, Wilfrid Brambell and Ronnie Corbett and No Sex Please, We're British. 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 humour, the sitcom was a huge hit. Set in a department store, it also starred John Inman, Molly Sugden and Wendy Richards. 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. Thornton reprised the role of Captain Peacock for the spin-off show, Grace and Favour, in 1992. His agent David Daly said: "I have been Frank's agent since 1986 and he has been the most wonderful client as well as being a great friend. He will be sorely missed."
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-18-2013, 01:45 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Frank Thornton. Almost the entire cast of this show has passed on. I believe the fellow who played Mr. Rumbold and Mike Berry who replaced Trevor Bannister as the junior clerk in the Men's department are the only ones left.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

03-18-2013, 08:40 AM	#2
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: 34,408

04-02-2013, 06:44 PM	#4
Steve_uk Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jun 29, 2012 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 5,803	He was the glue that held the show together after it passed its peak. Only that cast could have carried that show with its ever appalling scripts and spin it out for so long.

04-16-2013, 03:05 PM	#5
hatwink Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 19, 2004 Posts: 773	I'm sorry to hear he passed.He was the glue to that show.