Larry Lamb, best known for playing Archie Mitchell in EastEnders and Mick in Gavin & Stacey, has vowed never to fully retire for fear of 'vegetating'. The actor, who turns 78 on October 1, told The Daily Mail that he plans to continue working in other capacities, such as writing poetry and fiction.
Lamb, who started his professional acting career in his 40s, recently accepted the National Television Award for Best Comedy alongside co-stars Alison Steadman and Ruth Jones for the Gavin & Stacey finale. Despite previously stating that the show would be his last acting job, he now says he will remain active to avoid 'sending everyone potty'.
'I don't want to just sit there and vegetate,' Lamb said. 'I'm a working class bloke who feels that if he's not busy doing something then I don't really have any value.' His son, TV presenter George Lamb, agreed that retirement would be 'terrible' for his father.
Lamb has released his first fiction novel, All Wrapped Up, set on a Caribbean film set, and has begun writing poetry. He will perform his first poetry gig next week in Hereford. 'I'm just reflecting on the old age, reflecting on the past, looking towards the future and writing stories and poems about it,' he said.
Despite his varied career, including stints with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on Broadway, Lamb says playing Mick in Gavin & Stacey is his all-time favourite role. 'At this stage in my career Mick is the closest to my heart,' he added.
