I know that many of you here are fans of the classic television comedy Dad’s Army, and so it was with sadness today I found out that my old mate Colin Bean died on the weekend.
Colin was a regular in the series, in fact he appeared in 79 of the 80 television episodes and the feature film, as the character of Private Sponge. Not a prominent figure but a memorable one, the character of Sponge grew from an ‘extra’ to a bit part player with the odd line, to later when Jimmy Beck died a more central role.
He was a larger than life character in real life with a great sense of humour and wonderful generosity. He was a huge support to me personally when I used to run the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society New Zealand Branch. Colin was too young to have served in the real Home guard or army in WWII but he did his bit postwar as part of J-Force, the occupation army in Japan. He inspired Jimmy Perry and David Croft with the idea for one of their more memorable Dad’s Army episodes called “All Is Safely Gathered In” where the platoon harvest a wheat crop, something as a boy Colin had seen real Home Guards doing.
As well as Dad’s Army Colin had appeared in other top comedies such as Hi De Hi, The Dick Emery Show and Harry Worth. He did a lot of radio voice work for BBC Radio Lancashire in later life when crippling arthritis made him less mobile and unable to act.
Colin passed away on Saturday, aged 83.
Now from the Dad’s Army the only regular actors left alive are Ian Lavender (Pike), Bill Pertwee (Hodges_, Frank Williams (the Vicar), Pam Cundell (Mrs Fox) and Clive Dunn (L/Cpl Jones). Clive is 89!
By: PanzerJohn - 28th June 2009 at 18:37
Great website……:D
By: Mr Creosote - 27th June 2009 at 21:41
Bit more on Colin here-
Colin’s first appearance was as a shepherd in a school play, and much against his father will, he took up acting professionally until being called up for national service. He served for four years, spending some time in Japan, and taking the opportunity to continue his acting by joining the BCOF. After graduating from drama school in 1952 he joined the Sheffield Rep as assistant stage manager, this was followed by regular theatre work.It was working with Jimmy Perry at the Watford Palace Theatre in 1962, that led him to play the role of Private Sponge, as well as almost 20 years of playing a pantomime dame! His TV appearances have been varied, including ‘Z Cars’, ‘The Gnomes of Dulwich’, 13 episodes of ‘Michael Bentine Time’, although due to arthritis, he has mainly concentrated on his radio work. He has written his autobiography ‘Who Do You Think YOU ARE KIDDING!’ which was published in 1998.
Source=
By: Fieldhawk - 27th June 2009 at 21:03
Dad’s Army was not only one of the very best comedy programmes but also a truly great history lesson. Everyone of the cast fitted the role perfectly, and very much including Colin Bean as Private Sponge. Stand-down and Rest in Peace, Colin, and thank you for all the laughs you still give me.
By: PanzerJohn - 27th June 2009 at 18:32
The series will be a lasting tribute to these wonderful actors and writers, I met Bill Pertwee a few years ago and found him a most charming and interesting man, in complete opposite to his character!.
By: BSG-75 - 24th June 2009 at 17:09
I like to think that the series will be a long standing monument to all involved, it is an utter classic and all actors and writers will be long remembered.
Rest in peace Colin Bean, you’ll be alive in our living rooms for years to come.
By: Mr Creosote - 24th June 2009 at 10:34
That’s a shame. Often thought there was a lot more mileage in the Pvt Sponge character. Testament to Colin too that he took the part from extra to fully-fledged (if under-used) character.
Sign In
June 24, 2009 at 7:28 am