Arthur English - Definition

Arthur English (1919-1995) was an English comedian from the music hall tradition. Born in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. Appeared at the Windmill Theatre in London after serving in WW II and did much other stage work. Began on the radio in the BBC series Variety Bandbox using his own cockney accent, as he did in all the parts he played. He began to appear on British television in mainly comedy roles, in the '70's, and was noticeable because of his manner and striking appearance. He's best remembered for his character of the obnoxious and 'bolshy' maintenance man in Are You Being Served? which he played from 1976 to 1985. He was also in the film version. He played an even more unsympatheic character in In Sickness and in Health, a follow-up series to Till Death Us Do Part from 1985 to 1990.

He had more likable roles in The Ghosts of Motley Hall a British TV series broadcast at 'tea-time' for children, and in "Follyfoot" a well-loved children's TV series which began in 1971 and ran for three series on ITV. He was in several other movies and an obscure series Maths Counts (1982) which was a British TV schools programme broadcast during the day. This was notable because it also starred Jack Wild who played Arthur English's grandson.