OBITUARY by Ian Woolley
One of Britain’s finest comedy actors Bernard Cribbins has died…
The 93-year-old star of film and the small screen was one of Britain’s most versatile actors who in 1962 became a surprise novelty chart star.
Much has been documented on the 70-year career of the former Railway Children and Carry On star who appeared later on in Coronation Street.
He also was a fine narrator with his dulcet tones heard in The Wombles and Jackanory, the latter of which he appeared more than any other story reader.
In 1962, he had three novelty records in the charts, two of which made the top 10. Hole in The Ground and Right, Said Fred showed off Bernard’s excellent comedy repertoire that gained him new fans. Gossip Calypso also made the UK top 30.
Hole in the Ground was also chosen by actor Noel Coward as one of his Desert Island Discs much to the singer’s delight”.
In October 2021, Bernard lost his wife Gillian whom he married in 1955.