Veteran British actor, comedian, and singer Bernard Cribbins has breathed his last. Born in 1928, the entertainer left school at only 13 and started working as an assistant stage manager at a local theatre. It was here that Cribbins was first bit by the acting bug as he started taking up small roles in a number of plays. Later, the actor served as an apprentice at the Oldham Repertory Theatre.

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Besides acting, Cribbins had a successful music career as well. Some of his hit novelty songs include The Hole in The Ground, Gossip Calypso, and Right Said Fred. Cribbins’ most notable acting performance was in the film Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D, which was based on the science fiction series Doctor Who, where he played the character of the lead character’s companion, Tom Campbell. When the series was revived 41 years later, Cribbins joined the cast, this time as the grandfather of Donna, the then-companion of Doctor Who. Right before his death, the British entertainment legend was seen filming scenes for the 60th anniversary of this iconic show. 

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Cribbins has appeared in numerous films over the years, and has notably worked in the Alfred Hitchcock film, Frenzy, albeit in a minor role. He has appeared in a number of children’s TV series as well, having narrated The Wombles and playing the lead character in Old Jack’s Boat.

Interestingly, during the Palestine crisis in 1947-48, Cribbins served in the Parachute Regiment. His many unique life experiences are recorded in his autobiography, Bernard Who? 75 Years Of Doing Just About Anything, published in 2018. The statement, which Cribbins’ agent released to announce the actor’s death, read, “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.”