Bernard Cribbins, best known for his roles in Doctor Who and Wombles has died at the age of 93, his agent has confirmed.
A statement from Gavin Barker Associates said: “Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93.
“His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like The Railway Children and the Carry On series, hit 60s song ‘Right Said Fred’, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.
“He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat.
“He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.
“Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russel T Davies was one of the first to pay tribute to Cribbins, posting a picture of him on set to social media alongside a lengthy caption remembering the TV legend.
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“I love this man. I love him. That’s him as Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the heartwrenching message began.
“He loved being in Doctor Who. He said, ‘Children are calling me grandad in the street!’
“His first day was on location with Kylie Minogue, but all eyes, even Kylie’s, were on Bernard. He’d turned up with a suitcase full of props, just in case, including a rubber chicken,” Davies recalled.
“And what an actor. Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor. We once took him to the TV Choice Awards and sent him up on his own to collect the award, and the entire room stood up and cheered him. That’s a lovely memory.
“He loved Gill with all his heart; he mentioned her in every conversation we ever had. A love story for the ages. I’m so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”
He added in conclusion, “I’m so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”
BBC News correspondent Lizo Mzimba also took to social media to announce the news, saying, “Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93. From the Wombles to Wilf in Doctor Who he entertained generation after generation. A genuine national treasure.”
https://twitter.com/lizo_mzimba/status/1552563836808531968
Fans were also quick to take to social media to remember Cribbins and his illustrious career, with one writing on Twitter, “Absolutely heartbroken to hear that the TV LEGEND, Bernard Cribbins has passed away aged 93. Not only was he a legend of television, but he’s my one of my favourite #DoctorWho characters of all time. I hope he sleeps well, Rest In Peace Sir.”
Another added, “Has there been a man who’s better embodied the warmth, timelessness and joy of Doctor Who? Totally heartbroken. Rest in peace Bernard Cribbins – you’ll be so incredibly missed.”
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