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Born: January 15, 1921 – Died: March 16, 2013
Frank Thornton, born on January 15, 1921, in Dulwich, London, England, was the third child of William Ernest Ball, a bank manager, and Rosina. His siblings included Marjorie, who passed away in 1980, and John. Thornton's middle name, "Thornton," came from his mother's maiden name. In his early years, he displayed musical talent by playing the cello in his school's orchestra and even served as a corporal in the Officer's Training Corps. However, his life took a turn when he left the Corps in 1937 to become a clerk with the Guardian Insurance Company in London.
But the world of acting beckoned, and inspired by a colleague who had embarked on an acting career, Frank Thornton enrolled in evening classes at the London School of Dramatic Art. During World War II, he joined the RAF and trained as a navigator, ultimately becoming a pilot officer. After the war, he continued his acting journey, making a mark in both theater and television. One of his notable roles was as Captain Peacock in the beloved TV series "Are You Being Served?" Frank married Beryl Evans in 1945, and they had a daughter named Jane in 1946. His contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy. He passed away on March 16, 2013, in Barnes, London, leaving behind a rich and memorable career.
Early Life and Career
Frank Thornton's childhood and upbringing are relatively uncharted, but we do know that he attended the London School of Dramatic Art to hone his acting skills. His journey into the world of entertainment began when he left his job as a clerk with the Guardian Insurance Company in 1937 to follow the path of acting.
His first professional roles started during World War II when he acted in the local repertory company while stationed in Nova Scotia with the RAF entertainment unit, alongside notable figures like Peter Sellers, Dick Emery, and Tony Hancock.
However, it was his role as Captain Peacock in the iconic TV series "Are You Being Served?" that catapulted him into stardom. The show, which ran from 1972 to 1985, became a classic and cemented his status as a beloved actor in British television.
Throughout his career, Frank Thornton received acclaim for his acting prowess. In his personal life, he was married to Beryl Evans from 1945 until his death in 2013, and they had a daughter named Jane in 1946.
Frank Thornton's impact on the entertainment industry, especially in British television, is undeniable. His portrayal of Captain Peacock made him an enduring figure in the hearts of audiences. Though he may not be categorized as a Hollywood icon, he stands as a respected and beloved figure in British showbiz, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable performances.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Run for Your Wife | Man getting off bus |
| 1997–2010 | Last of the Summer Wine (TV Series) | Truly |
| 2007 | Children in Need (TV Series) | Restaurant Manager |
| 2007 | Back in Business | Gardener |
| 2004 | Holby City (TV Series) | Douglas Archer |
| 2003 | Doctors (TV Series) | Gerard Mears |
| 2001 | Gosford Park | Mr. Burkett |
| 2001 | Out of the Black | Philip Hart |
| 2001 | Casualty (TV Series) | Edward Gutheridge |
| 1996 | All Rise for Julian Clary (TV Series) | Geoffrey Parker-Knoll |
| 1995 | The Upper Hand (TV Series) | Reverend Hale |
| 1995 | The Old Curiosity Shop (TV Movie) | Mr. Witherden |
| 1992–1994 | Noel's House Party (TV Series) | Guest |
| 1993 | Haunts of the Olde Country (Short) | Tour Guide |
| 1992–1993 | Are You Being Served? Again! (TV Series) | Captain Peacock |
| 1990 | Mr. Majeika (TV Series) | Headmaster |
| 1989 | The BFG | Mr. Tibbs (voice) |
| 1989 | Great Expectations (TV Mini Series) | Mr. Trabb |
| 1989 | T.Bag and the Revenge of the T.Set (TV Series) | Will Wagadagger |
| 1983–1988 | The Kenny Everett Television Show (TV Series) | Various |
| 1987 | The Ronnie Corbett Show (TV Series) | Various Roles |
| 1987 | T-Bag Bounces Back (TV Series) | Count Boris |
| 1984–1987 | The Sooty Show (TV Series) | Dr. Hugh | Mr. Wolfe | Doctor Hugh |
| 1972–1985 | Are You Being Served? (TV Series) | Captain Peacock |
| 1978–1984 | Jackanory Playhouse (TV Series) | Sir Torrence | King Balthazar |
| 1984 | Jane (TV Series) | Commander L |
| 1982 | The Gentle Touch (TV Series) | Leo |
| 1976–1981 | The Dick Emery Show (TV Series) | Man By Tennis Court |
| 1980 | The Taming of the Shrew (TV Movie) | Gremio |
| 1979 | Kelly Monteith (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1979 | Word for Word (TV Series) | Jogran |
| 1971–1977 | The Goodies (TV Series) | Master of Ceremonies | Waiter |
| 1977 | Are You Being Served? | Captain Peacock |
| 1976 | World of Laughter (TV Series) | Cast Member |
| 1976 | The New Avengers (TV Series) | Roland |
| 1976 | Seaside Special (TV Series) | Captain Peacock |
| 1976 | The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones | Whitlow |
| 1976 | The Molly Wopsies (TV Series) | Chief Constable |
| 1976 | Spanish Fly | Dr. Johnson |
| 1975 | Side by Side | Inspector Crumb |
| 1975 | Shades of Greene (TV Series) | Rev. Simon Milan |
| 1975 | Whodunnit? (TV Series) | Gerald Harvey |
| 1975 | The Boundary (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1974 | Old Dracula | Mr. King |
| 1974 | Holiday with Strings (TV Movie) | Travel Agent |
| 1974 | Keep It Up, Jack | Mr. Clarke |
| 1974 | The Tommy Cooper Hour (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1974 | Fall of Eagles (TV Mini Series) | Prince Albert |
| 1974 | Crown Court (TV Series) | Professor McIver |
| 1970–1974 | Scott On... (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1962–1973 | Steptoe and Son (TV Series) | Travel Agency Clerk | The Frenchman | Butler ... |
| 1973 | The Three Musketeers | Man in Small Carriage (uncredited) |
| 1973 | Digby: The Biggest Dog in the World | Estate Agent |
| 1961–1973 | Armchair Theatre (TV Series) | Arthur - The Groom's Father | Station Sergeant | Frank ... |
| 1973 | The Village Concert (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1973 | No Sex Please - We're British | Glass Shop Manager |
| 1973 | Thirty Minutes Worth (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1973 | Steptoe and Son Ride Again | Mr. Russell |
| 1973 | The Gordon Peters Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1961–1973 | Comedy Playhouse (TV Series) | Captain Peacock | Mr. Walters | Jessop ... |
| 1972 | That's Your Funeral | Town Clerk |
| 1972 | The Reg Varney Revue (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1972 | Our Miss Fred | British Colonel |
| 1972 | Sykes (TV Series) | Dr. Taplow |
| 1972 | Bless This House | Mr Jones |
| 1972 | Love Thy Neighbour (TV Series) | The Barman |
| 1972 | The Chastity Belt | Master Of Ceremonies |
| 1971 | Bachelor Father (TV Series) | Vicar |
| 1971 | ...And Mother Makes Three (TV Series) | The Store Manager |
| 1971 | Some Matters of Little Consequence (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1970 | All the Way Up | Mr. Driver |
| 1970 | The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer | Tom Stoddart |
| 1970 | Here Come the Double Deckers! (TV Series) | Mr Parsons |
| 1970 | She Follows Me About (TV Movie) | Meevor |
| 1970 | The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes | Porter |
| 1970 | From a Bird's Eye View (TV Series) | Spinks |
| 1970 | Plunder (TV Movie) | Simon Veal |
| 1970 | A Cuckoo in the Nest (TV Movie) | Claude Hickett MP |
| 1970 | The Other Reg Varney (TV Movie) | Various Characters |
| 1970 | Two D's and a Dog (TV Series) | Hawkins |
| 1970 | Mogul (TV Series) | TV Interviewer |
| 1970 | Some Will, Some Won't | Purvis |
| 1970 | The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV Series) | Richards the Waiter |
| 1970 | As Good Cooks Go (TV Series) | Pangbourne |
| 1969 | The Magic Christian | Police Inspector (uncredited) |
| 1969 | Mr. Digby Darling (TV Series) | Mr. Skidmore |
| 1969 | Not in Front of the Children (TV Series) | Mr. Wilkinson |
| 1968–1969 | The World of Beachcomber (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1969 | The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm (TV Series) | King Kong |
| 1969 | The Bed Sitting Room | The BBC |
| 1969 | Sophie's Place | Cyril |
| 1969 | Thicker Than Water (TV Series) | Ted Rumbold |
| 1969 | The Assassination Bureau | Elevator victim Count von Kissen (uncredited) |
| 1968 | Till Death Us Do Part | Valuation Officer |
| 1968 | B and B (TV Series) | Benjamin Burton |
| 1967–1968 | Harry Worth (TV Series) | Mr. Grummit | Inspector Wallace |
| 1968 | Inside George Webley (TV Series) | Maitre d' |
| 1968 | A Flea in Her Ear | Charles - Butler |
| 1968 | The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom | Factory manager |
| 1968 | If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them (TV Movie) | The Undertaker |
| 1968 | The Champions (TV Series) | Clerk |
| 1968 | 30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia | Registrar |
| 1968 | City '68 (TV Series) | Douglas Quinn |
| 1967 | Danny the Dragon (TV Series) | Sergeant Bull |
| 1967 | Ride of the Valkyrie (Short) | Hire car chauffeur |
| 1966 | Lucy in London (TV Movie) | Passport Officer |
| 1966 | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | Roman Sentry |
| 1966 | Carry on Screaming! | Mr. Jones |
| 1966 | Coronation Street (TV Series) | Danny Roach |
| 1966 | The Liars (TV Series) | Aldogrando |
| 1965 | The Murder Game | Radio Announcer |
| 1965 | The Early Bird | Drunken Doctor |
| 1965 | The Wild Affair | Wine Shop Manager |
| 1965 | Here's Harry (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1965 | The Big Job | Bank Official |
| 1965 | A World of Comedy (TV Mini Series) | Catesby |
| 1965 | The Man in Room 17 (TV Series) | Chief Inspector Bascombe |
| 1965 | Six Shades of Black (TV Series) | Mr. Inchcape-Lewis |
| 1965 | Call It What You Like (TV Series) | Various Roles |
| 1965 | Emergency-Ward 10 (TV Series) | John Ross |
| 1962–1965 | Hugh and I (TV Series) | Councillor Jones |
| 1964–1965 | HMS Paradise (TV Series) | Commander Fairweather |
| 1965 | Frankie Howerd (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1964 | Gonks Go Beat | Mr. A&R |
| 1964 | The Tomb of Ligeia | Peperel |
| 1964 | The Comedy Man | Theatre Producer (uncredited) |
| 1964 | The Dickie Henderson Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1964 | The Villains (TV Series) | Fowler |
| 1960–1963 | It's a Square World (TV Series) | Various Characters |
| 1963 | The Sentimental Agent (TV Series) | Tailor |
| 1962–1963 | ITV Play of the Week (TV Series) | Richard Acton Hicks | Brig. Gen. Lloyd | Gerald Thornton ... |
| 1963 | Benny Hill (TV Series) | John Kenwood | Frindyke | Korsikoff |
| 1962 | Trial and Error | Photographer |
| 1962 | The Odd Man (TV Series) | Second Under Secretary |
| 1962 | Suspense (TV Series) | Det Insp Gwilliam |
| 1962 | Doomsday at Eleven | BBC announcer |
| 1962 | The Cheaters (TV Series) | Long |
| 1962 | Ring-A-Ding Rhythm! | T.V. Director |
| 1961 | Tarnished Heroes | Trench Officer (uncredited) |
| 1961 | Citizen James (TV Series) | Ministry Agent |
| 1961 | The Rag Trade (TV Series) | Mr. Davis |
| 1961 | Our House (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1961 | Victim | George - Henry's Assistant (uncredited) |
| 1960–1961 | Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School (TV Series) | Lerouge | Hubert Tankerton |
| 1961 | The Avengers (TV Series) | Sir William Bonner |
| 1961 | Hancock (TV Series) | 1st Patient |
| 1961 | The Impersonator | Police Sergeant (uncredited) |
| 1961 | Danger Man (TV Series) | Pepe | Police Captain |
| 1961 | A Life of Bliss (TV Series) | Theodore Marling | Policeman |
| 1960 | The Tell-Tale Heart | Barman (uncredited) |
| 1959–1960 | The Four Just Men (TV Series) | Hotel Manager | Policeman | Enrique Vidal ... |
| 1959 | The Men from Room 13 (TV Series) | The Second Warder |
| 1958–1959 | William Tell (TV Series) | Heinburgher | Tax Collector | Gessler's assistant |
| 1958 | You Are There (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | Missiles from Hell | British Scientist (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Dixon of Dock Green (TV Series) | PC Cox |
| 1956 | Call Back Yesterday (TV Movie) | Pianist |
| 1956 | Operation Conspiracy | Mr. Markley |
| 1956 | Johnny You're Wanted | Police Inspector |
| 1955 | Stock Car | Doctor |
| 1955 | Postmark for Danger | Jack (Police Photographer) (uncredited) |
| 1955 | The Granville Melodramas (TV Series) | Geoffrey Ware |
| 1954 | Radio Cab Murder | Inspector Finch |
| 1954 | The Silent Witness (Short) | George (The Barman) (uncredited) |
| 1954 | The Dark Stairway (Short) | Man Reading Newspaper (uncredited) |
| 1952 | My Dear Petitioner (TV Movie) | Miguel Esteban d'Alvarez |
| 1951 | The Empty Street (TV Movie) | 1st Ambulance man |
| 1951 | The Passing Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) | Sailor |