Frank Thornton Dies: ‘Are You Being Served?’ Actor Passes Away At 92

Frank Thornton, an English actor known best for his role in the British sitcom Are You Being Served?, died last week at his home in London.

According to the actor’s agent, David Daly, Frank passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday. Thornton was 92 years old at the time of his death.

“I have been Frank’s agent since 1986 and he has been the most wonderful client as well as being a great friend,” Daly said. “He will be sorely missed.”

Born in Dulwich, London in 1921, Frank attempted to learn music as a youngster but eventually gave it up as his parents persuaded him to to pursue a “real job.”

After two years in the insurance business, Thornton convinced his father to fund his pursuit of a career in acting. That en devour was cut short, however, when Frank and the other members of his drama school were recruited to serve in World War II.

After being demobilized from the Royal Air Force in 1947, Thornton jumped back into acting and landed his first credited role in the 1954 film Radio Cab Murder.

After appearing in a number of films throughout the 1960s and early 70s, Frank joined the cast of the long-running BBC comedy series Are You Being Served? He remained with the show for its entire 10 seasons, starring as Captain Peacock.

He later reprised the role for the show’s successor Grace & Favour from 1992 to 1993.

In addition to his Captain Peacock character, Frank took roles in many popular British TV shows including Hancock’s Half-Hour, Sykes and Steptoe And Son, as well as movie spin-off Steptoe And Son Ride Again.

His last credit was in the poorly received British film Run For Your Wife, according to News.com.au.

Thornton is survived by Beryl, his wife of 67 years, their daughter Jane and three grandchildren.

Check out a clip from Are you Being Served? below: