Frank Thornton dies, aged 92

Star of long-running BBC sitcom Are You Being Served? Frank Thornton has died at the age of 92.

His agent David Daly confirmed to BBC News that the actor passed away in his sleep on Saturday.

“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.” – Daly

Thornton starred as Captain Peacock in all ten series of the department store comedy that ran between 1972 and 1985, before reprising the role for spin-off Grace & Favour in the early 1990s.  His death leaves Nicholas Smith as the only surviving member of the show’s original cast.

Thornton later joined the cast of another long-running BBC Sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine playing the role of Herbert ‘Truly’ Truelove. His last acting credit was for the cinema adaption of stage farce Run For Your Wife in 2012.

Born Frank Thornton Ball in Dulwich in 1921, he began his career in insurance, before serving as a Royal Air Force Officer during World War II. He trained as an actor at the London School of Dramatic Art and originally took roles on the stage and in films before moving into television.

He is survived by wife Beryl and daughter Jane.

Frank Thornton 1921-2013