Arthur English was an English actor, best known for his roles in “Are You Being Served?”, “Never Say Die”, and various comedy performances. He was recognized as one of Britain’s great variety comedians, especially known for his cockney character.
Personal and Family Life
Arthur English was born on May 9, 1919, in Aldershot, Hampshire. He was married to Ivy Ruth Martin from 1941 until her death in 1975 and had two children with her. In 1977, he married Teresa Mann; they divorced in 1987 and had one child together. His daughter, Clare-Louise English, also pursued a career in acting.
Career
Arthur began his career in amateur theatre but became a professional performer at the age of 30. During World War II, he served in the Army and later worked as a painter and decorator. He gained fame in the late 1940s after being contracted by the famous Windmill Theatre in London, where he developed his signature comedic style and catchphrases.
Death and Legacy
Arthur English passed away on April 16, 1995, due to complications from emphysema. His contributions to British comedy and television left a lasting legacy, particularly remembered for his iconic character of Mr. Harman in “Are You Being Served?”. A blue plaque marks his birthplace, honoring his impact on the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Are You Being Served? The Movie | 1977-06-10 | Mr. Beverley Harman |
| Love Thy Neighbour | 1973-08-26 | Carter |
| For the Love of Ada | 1972-01-01 | Arthur |
| The Hi-Jackers | 1963-12-13 | |
| The Boys in Blue | 1982-09-20 | Man on Motorbike |
| Percy | 1971-02-18 | Pub Comic |
| Vérité | 1973-10-23 | Carlyle |
| A Coffin for the Bride | 1974-05-31 | Freddy |
| The Best Of Dick Emery | 2005-07-11 | |
| Malachi’s Cove | 1973-10-01 | Jack Combes |
| Wayne and Albert | 1983-03-15 | Albert |
| The Frank Crank Story | 1975-04-07 | Charlie |
| Barry McKenzie Holds His Own | 1974-12-12 | Cockney Spiv |
| Echo of Diana | 1963-05-01 | Punter in Betting Shop |
| Pygmalion | 1981-12-27 | Arthur Doolittle |
| Magnum, P.I. | 1980-12-11 | Newspaper Seller |
| The Gentle Touch | 1980-04-11 | |
| 3-2-1 | 1978-09-15 | |
| In Sickness and in Health | 1985-09-01 | |
| Follyfoot | 1971-06-28 | Slugger |
| How’s Your Father | 1979-02-27 | |
| The Ghosts of Motley Hall | 1976-04-28 | Bodkin |
| Crown Court | 1972-10-11 | |
| Barlow | 1971-09-15 | |
| Never Say Die | 1987-11-16 | |
| Doctor in Charge | 1972-04-09 | |
| Thriller | 1973-04-14 | Freddy |
| High & Dry | 1987-01-07 | Fred Whattle |
| The Sweeney | 1975-01-02 | Tug Wilson |
| Are You Being Served? | 1972-09-08 | Mr. Harman |
| Crown Court | 1972-10-11 | Mr. Sampson |
| Play for Today | 1970-10-15 | Albert |