Biography for
George Cole (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

22 April 1925, Tooting, London, England, UK

Birth Name

George Edward Cole

Mini Biography

George Cole OBE is a veteran British film, television and stage actor whose impressive career has spanned over 60 years.

For many he will perhaps be best remembered for playing one of the most endearing characters of recent times on British television; "Arthur Daley", the shifty but very likable "business man" in the hit ITV drama series"Minder" (1979)_.

However Cole had long been a household name well before Minder aired on television. His successful film career began in the 1950s starring with the likes of Sir Richard Attenborough and Sir John Mills in the film "Morning Departure"

Further success came throughout the 1950s and 60s where he played the part of "Flash Harry" in the popular 'St Trinians' Films, alongside his close friend and mentor Alastair Sim.

By 1963 Hollywood had recognized the talents of Cole and he was cast in the iconic film "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison.

During the 1970s George continued to star in films and television pro grammes, becoming a regular and sought after actor. It is interesting to note that in 1971 he appeared with Dennis Waterman (who would later become his Minder co-star) in the horror film "Fright"

In 1979 Cole was cast as the hapless "Arthur Daley", the a self professed entrepreneur in the ITV drama "Minder" a role he played until 1994. The role showcased Cole's acting prowess and brought him to the attention of a younger audience.

As well as starring in "Minder" George continued with other projects in film and television including "Root Into Europe" (1992), "An Independent Man" (1995), "Mary Reilly" (1997), "Dad" (1997) and since 2000 in "Station Jim" (2001) Bodily Harm (2002), and alongside his good friend Dennis Waterman in the BBC hit drama "New Tricks (2007)". He has also starred in several stage productions.

It is hoped that Cole will not be be remembered simply for portraying "Arthur Daley", but instead for being one of Britains most enduring actors, one of only a handful of actors who can claim to have had a 60 year career and for being an extremely likable, charismatic man.

IMDb Mini Biography By: A J Lewis

Spouse

Penny Morrell	(1964 - present) 1 child
Eileen Moore	(1954 - 1962) (divorced) 2 children

Trivia

Accompanied a pal to an audition but finished up getting the part instead of his pal. That was for the play "Cottage to Let", which led to his appearance in the film, Bombsight Stolen (1941). [1940]

Was taken in (along with his mother) by Alastair Sim and his wife Naomi. Alastair then took over his education and trained him as an actor.

Became a pop star in 1983 when his duet with Dennis Waterman, "What Are We Gonna Get 'Er Indoors?", reached the number 21 position on the UK chart.

He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1992 Queen's Honours List for his services to drama.

Was a front runner for the role of "Hudson" on "Upstairs, Downstairs" (1971).