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Paul Eddington (1927-1995) was a well-loved British actor best known for his appearances in popular TV sitcoms of the 70s and 80s.
Although he worked as an actor all of his life, Eddington was in his forties before he became a household name. He rose to prominence through The Good Life, first screened by the BBC in 1975, and still being shown today. It tells the story of a suburban couple who decide to give up work and become self-sufficient. Eddington was cast in a supporting role as neighbour Jerry Leadbetter, with Penelope Keith as his wife, Margo. Originally intended as mere bit parts, the Leadbetters quickly became essential to each episode and their roles expanded until they had equal standing with the two "stars".
Eddington's fame grew further as the star of the hit comedy series Yes, Minister, first screened in 1980, and later to become Yes, Prime Minister - said to have been Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers favourite TV programme.
Eddington began acting with Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) which was set up to entertain British troops during World War II, but was asked to leave when it became known that he was a pacifist and a conscientious objector. Eddington moved into repertory theatre in Sheffield, and made his first appearance in TV drama in the 1950s, as a regular cast member of The Adventures of Robin Hood (first shown 1955), initially as minor characters and eventually as Will Scarlett.
While filming for Yes, Prime Minister, Eddington was diagnosed with skin cancer, but he continued performing on stage and television, and for years he kept his illness a secret from all but his friends and co-stars. His last roles were in The Camomile Lawn, a 1992 TV dramatisation of Mary Wesley's novel, and as the voice of Badger in The Adventures of Mole (1995).
He was awarded the Commander of the order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1987 and in 1992, he won the London Critics Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor, for his performance in No Man's Land.
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