Bernard Bresslaw, the 6ft 7ins actor best known for his roles in the Carry On films, died aged 59 just moments before he was due to appear on stage. He was set to play Grumio in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in London on June 11, 1993.
Final diary entry
In his deeply moving final diary entry, Bresslaw wrote: "What a joy to return to play at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre for another season. There is nowhere I would rather be."
Born in Stepney, London, Bresslaw was the youngest of three brothers. His passion for acting was first ignited when he visited the Hackney Empire theatre. However, both he and his two older brothers were evacuated to Swindon.
Early career and breakthrough
On returning to the capital, Bresslaw earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he claimed the Emile Littler Award, presented to the most promising actor of his intake. His debut role came in the radio play Educating Archie, swiftly followed by a television breakthrough in The Army Game.
Further TV, film and theatre opportunities soon came his way, with Bresslaw featuring in numerous Shakespearean productions. He married dancer Betty Wright in 1959 and the couple stayed together until his death.
Carry On fame and later roles
It was upon landing his first role in a Carry On film - Carry On Camping - that Bresslaw became an instantly recognisable household name. Renowned for his meticulous approach to preparing for roles, Bresslaw even mastered Fanagalo phrases ahead of his appearance in Carry On Up the Jungle.
Yet he never lost his passion for the stage and would intersperse his film work with theatrical productions such as Twelfth Night and Doctor Faustus. He also took on the role of the chief antagonist in the Doctor Who story, The Ice Warriors, as well as featuring in a comedic take on Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, entitled The Ugly Duckling, and even portrayed the genie on the Sooty Show.
Later years and legacy
Once the Carry On films drew to a close, Bresslaw won a whole new generation of fans when he starred alongside Miriam Margolyes and Maureen Lipman in the much-loved BT advertising campaign. Bresslaw and Margolyes portrayed Gerald and Dolly, an anxious couple who pay an unannounced visit to Lipman's character Beatrice "Beattie" Bellman and her husband Harry.
Beyond his considerable acting talents, Bresslaw also released a collection of poetry entitled Ode to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Shortly before his untimely passing, Bresslaw was set to tread the boards once more, playing Grumio in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew - a role he had long loved.
Bresslaw was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, where his ashes were subsequently interred.
