Trevor Peacock, best known for playing Jim Trott in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, died aged 89 on the morning of March 8 from a dementia-related illness. The actor, writer and songwriter had retired from full-time acting after being diagnosed with dementia in 2009, with Alzheimer's confirmed in 2017.
A career from Shakespeare to sitcom fame
Peacock's love of acting began in childhood while growing up in Tottenham, north London. He starred in plays at his grammar school and admitted to sneaking into the cinema because his father had banned him from watching films. He started his career as a teacher near his home before changing careers to focus on acting.
He initially made his name as a theatre actor with several roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company. Television roles followed on EastEnders, Wish Me Luck, Jonathan Creek, Between The Lines, The Riff Raff Element, The Thin Blue Line and My Family.
However, it was as the eccentric Jim Trott that he became truly known, with his iconic catchphrase "no, no, no, no, no... yes". He was a key part of the hit BBC series, which ran from 1994 until 2000, appearing in every single episode from the first until his final appearance 21 years later.
Songwriting success and final role
Alongside acting, Peacock was an accomplished songwriter. He wrote hit songs including the 1960s single Mrs Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter, released by Herman's Hermits, and Jess Conrad's Mystery Girl.
His final on-screen role was as Jim in the Comic Relief special of The Vicar of Dibley in 2015. He passed away in 2021 while living in a nursing home due to his condition.
Tributes from co-stars and charities
At the time, his agent said: "Remembering our wonderful client Trevor Peacock who died peacefully yesterday. A comic genius and one of the very best humans. We will miss him hugely."
The BBC released a statement saying: "We're saddened to hear of the death of actor Trevor Peacock." Dawn French, his co-star, tweeted a photo of them together with the words: "Night Trev. I love you."
A statement on behalf of his family, who had been raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Trevor Peacock, actor, writer and song-writer, died aged 89 on the morning of March 8 from a dementia-related illness."
Alzheimer's Society CEO Kate Lee paid tribute, saying: "Everyone at Alzheimer’s Society is deeply saddened to hear that the brilliant Trevor Peacock has passed away from a dementia related illness. He was a man of many talents, but will be remembered by many for bringing joy and laughter to households across the nation with his iconic role as Jim Trott in the Vicar of Dibley. We are so grateful to Trevor and his family who have supported Alzheimer’s Society through fundraising for a number of years. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Peacock lived in Somerset with his wife Tilly, also an actor, and is survived by two sons, Daniel and Harry Peacock, and two daughters, Sally and Maudie.
