Comedy actor Sam Kelly dies aged 70

Sam Kelly - UKTV - Porridge: Inside Out

Comedy actor Sam Kelly, a regular in shows such as ITV’s Barbara and the BBC’s ‘Allo ‘Allo has died aged 70 after battling what has been described as ‘a long illness’.

Kelly most recently appeared as an interviewee in GOLD’s celebration of 1970s prison sitcom Porridge, in documentary Porridge Inside Out, looking visibly frailer. (pictured above)

The Manchester born performer, who also starred in sitcom On The Up with Dennis Waterman, The Making of Acorn Antiques with Victoria Wood and sketch series The Dick Emery Show, died peacefully in his sleep his agent Lynda Ronan announced earlier today. She added Mr Kelly had ‘bravely fought’ a long illness in recent times.

“He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family” adding the stars death was “a great loss to his friends and the profession”. – Lynda Ronan, agent

While Kelly will be best remembered for his comedy roles, such as prisoner Bunny Warren in Porridge opposite Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale and as Nazi captain Hans Geering in wartime comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo alongside Gordon Kaye and Carmen Silvera, he also had a host of serious acting credits including The Bill, Doctors, A Touch of Frost and Inspector Morse.

Sam Kelly - Carlton-Central TV's - Barbara

Comedy in ‘Barbara’ produced at the Central studios in Nottingham by Carlton. The series co-starred Gwen Taylor.

Allo Allo cast 1984

Kelly featured in the first four series of second world war comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo. He later said leaving the sitcom so soon had been a ‘huge mistake’. (Second left, front row)

Now and Then, ITV, 1982

Period comedy drama with Liz Smith (The Royle Family), June Brown (EastEnders) and Sam Kelly in 1982 for ITV with Now and Then.

Porridge Inside Out - UKTV

Reunited by UKTV in 2014. Celebrating 40 years since the first episode of classic BBC prison sitcom Porridge in GOLD’s Porridge: Inside Out. (Left to right: Christopher Biggins, Tony Osoba and Sam Kelly.)

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