Don Estelle was an English actor best known for his roles in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Not Now, Comrade, and Dad’s Army. Born on May 22, 1933, in Manchester, England, he became a recognizable figure in British television and film until his death on August 2, 2003.
Personal and Family Life
Don Estelle was born Ronald Edwards and had a diverse personal life. He married Mary Heywood in 1955, but the couple divorced in 1972. Later, he wed Elizabeth Amy Brent in 1974, and they had one child together. Estelle was a father to two children, Sheila and Philip. Sadly, Sheila passed away in 2016 at the age of 58 and is buried next to her father.
Death and Legacy
Don Estelle died on August 2, 2003, in Rochdale, Lancashire, England. He had returned to the UK for a liver transplant but was unable to undergo the surgery due to his health condition. Estelle is remembered for his unique contributions to British entertainment, particularly for his surprise number one hit record in 1975, “Whispering Grass,” alongside Windsor Davies.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Not Now, Comrade | 1976-01-01 | Bobby Hargreaves |
| Santa Claus: The Movie | 1985-10-29 | Groot |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 1981-12-13 | Starveling |
| A Private Function | 1984-11-09 | Barraclough |
| There’s a Hole in Your Dustbin, Delilah | 1968-09-30 | |
| The Beggar’s Opera | 1983-01-01 | Crook Fingered Jack |
| Star Turn | 1976-05-05 | |
| The League of Gentlemen | 1999-01-11 | |
| BBC Television Shakespeare | 1978-12-03 | |
| It Ain’t Half Hot Mum | 1974-01-03 | Gunner ‘Lofty’ Sugden |