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Arthur Lowe (1915–1982)

Actor | Soundtrack

Lowe, rotund and professionally indefatigable, rightly gained acclaim as an accomplished comedy character actor; fondly remembered as the irascible "Captain Mainwaring" - in the Home Guard comedy series Dad's Army (1968-1977) and Coronation Street's "Leonard Swindley". Only child of a Derbyshire railworker... See full bio »

Born:

in Hayfield, Derbyshire, England, UK

Died:

(age 66) in Birmingham, England, UK
1 photo | 7 videos | 24 news articles »

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Christopher Mann's Theatrical Demo Reel -- This reel contains Christopher performing in Film and Television. The clips included are from the following: "The Boundary", "The Wire", "Duplicity", "Law & Order(SVU)", "Michael Clayton", "Cost Of A Soul", "HEROES" and "Law & Order (CI)".

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Franklin Ojeda Smith - -- "...back in the day the 'barb wire' was more visible" and early on I chose baseball over acting; then academia and not baseball. Now,"...the kids are grown, the dog is dead and now that I may, I choose acting." Please take a look: 1)Boardwalk Empire - Deacon Cuffy 2)Murder Incorporated - Sam Christenson 3)Cayman Went - Aniston Turnkey 4)Letting Go -Therapist 5)Footsteps in the Sand - Jim. Thank You! Franklin

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Won BAFTA Film Award. Another 6 nominations See more awards »

Known For


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Filmography

Hide HideActor (116 titles)
1983 Wagner (TV series)
Meser
– Episode #1.2 (1983) … Meser
– Episode #1.1 (1983) … Meser
 
1982 A.J. Wentworth, BA (TV series)
A.J. Wentworth / A.J. Wentworth, B.A.
– The Outsider (1982) … A.J. Wentworth, B.A.
– Founder's Day (1982) … A.J. Wentworth, B.A.
– IIIA Goes to War (1982) … A.J. Wentworth, B.A.
– Problems, Problems (1982) … A.J. Wentworth
– Mud Larks (1982) … A.J. Wentworth
See all 6 episodes »
 
1982 Britannia Hospital
Guest Patient
 
1978-1981 Bless Me Father (TV series)
Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
– A Mixed-Up Marriage (1981) … Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
– Porgy and Bess (1981) … Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
– A Legend Comes to Stay (1981) … Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
– Fire & Brimstone (1981) … Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
– Beddings and Weddings (1981) … Father Charles Clement Duddleswell
See all 21 episodes »
 
1980 Sweet William
Captain Walton
 
1979-1980 Potter (TV series)
Redvers Potter
– Episode #2.7 (1980) … Redvers Potter
– Episode #2.6 (1980) … Redvers Potter
– Episode #2.5 (1980) … Redvers Potter
– Episode #2.4 (1980) … Redvers Potter
– Episode #2.3 (1980) … Redvers Potter
See all 13 episodes »
 
1980 Comedy Tonight (TV movie)
 
1979 The Plank (TV short)
Smaller Workman
 
1979 The Lady Vanishes
Charters
 
1979 The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (TV movie)
Mr. Beaver (voice: English version)
 
1978 Daphne Laureola (TV movie)
Gooch
 
1977 The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV series)
Capt. George Mainwaring
– 1977 Christmas Show (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
 
1968-1977 Dad's Army (TV series)
Capt. George Mainwaring / Barry Mainwaring
– Never Too Old (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
– Number Engaged (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
– The Miser's Hoard (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
– Knights of Madness (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
– The Making of Private Pike (1977) … Capt. George Mainwaring
See all 80 episodes »
 
1977 The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It
Dr. William Watson, M.D.
 
1977 Philby, Burgess and Maclean (TV movie)
Herbert Morrison
 
1977 The Galton & Simpson Playhouse (TV series)
Henry Duckworth
– Car Along the Pass (1977) … Henry Duckworth
 
1976 Bill Brand (TV series)
Watson
– Resolution (1976) … Watson
 
1976 The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones
Dr. Thwackum
 
1976 Shades of Greene (TV series)
Javitt
– Under the Garden (1976) … Javitt
 
1975 The Royal Variety Performance (TV movie)
Captain Mainwaring
 
1975 BBC Play of the Month (TV series)
Sir Oliver Surface
– The School for Scandal (1975) … Sir Oliver Surface
 
1975 Churchill's People (TV series)
Epillicus, the Barber
– The Lost Island (1975) … Epillicus, the Barber
 
1974 David Copperfield (TV mini-series)
Wilkins Micawber
– Episode #1.5 (1974) … Wilkins Micawber
– Episode #1.4 (1974) … Wilkins Micawber
– Episode #1.3 (1974) … Wilkins Micawber
– Episode #1.2 (1974) … Wilkins Micawber
 
1974 Man About the House
Spiros
 
1974 Microbes and Men (TV series)
Louis Pasteur
– Certain Death (1974) … Louis Pasteur
– Men of Little Faith (1974) … Louis Pasteur
– A Germ Is Life (1974) … Louis Pasteur
 
1974 Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall
Major Drysdale
 
1973-1974 Blue Peter (TV series)
Capt. George Mainwaring
– Episode dated 29 April 1974 (1974) … Capt. George Mainwaring
– Episode dated 22 February 1973 (1973) … Capt. George Mainwaring
 
1974 Mr. Men (TV series)
Narrator
– Mr Bounce … Narrator (voice)
– Mr Bump … Narrator (voice)
– Mr. Chatterbox … Narrator (voice)
– Mr. Daydream … Narrator (voice)
– Mr. Dizzy … Narrator (voice)
See all 28 episodes »
 
1969-1973 ITV Saturday Night Theatre (TV series)
Mason / Mr. Cakebread
– Hopcraft Into Europe (1973) … Mason
– Rogues Gallery: The Wicked Stage (1969) … Mr. Cakebread
 
1973 No Sex Please: We're British
Mr. Bromley
 
1973 Armchair 30 (TV series)
Alfred Potter
– Alfred Potter's Story (1973) … Alfred Potter
 
1973 Theatre of Blood
Horace Sprout
 
1973 O Lucky Man!
Mr. Duff/Charlie Johnson/Dr. Munda
 
1968-1972 A Christmas Night with the Stars (TV series)
Captain George Mainwaring / Captain Mainwaring / Guest.
– Episode dated 25 December 1972 (1972) … Captain Mainwaring
– Episode dated 25 December 1971 (1971) … Guest.
– Episode dated 25 December 1968 (1968) … Captain George Mainwaring
 
1972 The Ruling Class
Tucker
 
1972 It's Murder But Is It Art (TV series)
Mr. Phineas Drake
– Mister Drake Reveals All (1972) … Mr. Phineas Drake
– Mister Drake Asks Questions (1972) … Mr. Phineas Drake
– Mister Drake Has Visitors (1972) … Mr. Phineas Drake
– Mister Drake and Ars Gratia Artis (1972) … Mr. Phineas Drake
– Mister Drake Goes to Jail (1972) … Mr. Phineas Drake
See all 6 episodes »
 
1971-1972 The Last of the Baskets (TV series)
Redvers Bodkin
– A Tisket, a Tasket (1972) … Redvers Bodkin
– Nice Work If You Can Keep It (1972) … Redvers Bodkin
– The Hound of the Baskets (1972) … Redvers Bodkin
– A Chip Off the Old Block (1972) … Redvers Bodkin
– Good Queen Bess Slept Here (1972) … Redvers Bodkin
See all 13 episodes »
 
1971 Doctor at Large (TV series)
Dr. Maxwell
– Change Your Partners (1971) … Dr. Maxwell
– Congratulations - It's a Toad! (1971) … Dr. Maxwell
– Modernising Major (1971) … Dr. Maxwell
– Doctor Dish (1971) … Dr. Maxwell
– You Make Me Feel So Young (1971) … Dr. Maxwell
 
1971 Dad's Army
Capt. Mainwaring
 
1971 A Hole Lot of Trouble (short)
Whitehouse
 
1971 William Webb Ellis, Are You Mad? (short)
 
1970 The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer
Ferret
 
1970 She Follows Me About (TV movie)
Rev. Stanley Cuffe
 
1970 Jackanory (TV series)
Reader
– The Emperor's Oblong Pancake (1970) … Reader
 
1970 A Cuckoo in the Nest (TV movie)
Major Bone
 
1970 Rookery Nook (TV movie)
Harold Twine
 
1970 Fragment of Fear
Mr. Nugent
 
1970 Some Will, Some Won't
Police Sergeant
 
1970 Spring and Port Wine
Mr. Aspinall
 
1970 It's Tommy Cooper (TV series)
Dr. Jekyll
– Episode #1.2 (1970) … Dr. Jekyll
 
1970 The Great Inimitable Mr. Dickens (TV movie)
 
1969 Plays of Today (TV series)
– A Voyage Round My Father (1969)
 
1969 World in Ferment (TV series)
– Episode #1.3 (1969)
 
1969 The Bed Sitting Room
Father
 
1969 Rogues' Gallery (TV series)
Mr. Cakebread
– The Wicked Stage (1969) … Mr. Cakebread
 
1969 ITV Playhouse (TV series)
Eric
– Murder: When Robin Was a Boy (1969) … Eric
 
1969 It All Goes to Show (short)
Councillor Henry Parker
 
1968 If....
Mr. Kemp: Staff
 
1968 The Wednesday Play (TV series)
Colonel Harrup
– A Night with Mrs. Da Tanka (1968) … Colonel Harrup
 
1960-1968 Armchair Theatre (TV series)
Det. Sgt. Wimpole / Mr. Godsall / Mr. King / …
– Mrs Capper's Birthday (1968) … Mr. Godsall
– A Nice Little Business (1964) … Det. Sgt. Wimpole
– The Snag (1963) … Tailor
– A Night Out (1960) … Mr. King
– Lord Arthur Saville's Crime (1960) … Mr. Podgers
 
1967 Red, White and Zero
The Mayor
 
1967 The Golden Age (TV series)
Sir Robert
– The Arts and Leisure (1967) … Sir Robert
 
1967 The Avengers (TV series)
Sir George Benstead
– Dead Man's Treasure (1967) … Sir George Benstead
 
1967 Turn Out the Lights (TV series)
Leonard Swindley
– One for Yes, Two for No (1967) … Leonard Swindley
– You Can't Get the Wood (1967) … Leonard Swindley
– The Happy Medium (1967) … Leonard Swindley
– A Big Hand for a Little Lady (1967) … Leonard Swindley
– Hail Thee, Aunt Shelmadine (1967) … Leonard Swindley
See all 6 episodes »
 
1965-1966 Pardon the Expression (TV series)
Leonard Swindley
– Down on the Health Farm Something Stirred (1966) … Leonard Swindley
– The Cup That Cheers (1966) … Leonard Swindley
– The Switched-On Scene (1966) … Leonard Swindley
– Thunderfinger: Part 2 (1966) … Leonard Swindley
– Thunderfinger: Part 1 (1966) … Leonard Swindley
See all 36 episodes »
 
1965 You Must Be Joking!
Husband
 
1960-1965 Coronation Street (TV series)
Leonard Swindley
– Episode #1.449 (1965) … Leonard Swindley
– Episode #1.446 (1965) … Leonard Swindley
– Episode #1.431 (1965) … Leonard Swindley
– Episode #1.421 (1964) … Leonard Swindley
– Episode #1.391 (1964) … Leonard Swindley
See all 56 episodes »
 
1958-1964 ITV Play of the Week (TV series)
Chairman / Dr. Fawcett
– A Case of Character (1964) … Chairman
– Ladies of the Corridor (1960)
– Beyond the Horizon (1960) … Dr. Fawcett
– Disturbance (1958)
 
1958-1963 ITV Television Playhouse (TV series)
Felton / Joseph / M. Lacade / …
– Mr Pickwick (1963) … Mr Pickwick
– After the Party (1960) … Felton
– Once a Crook (1960) … Joseph
– Test of Truth (1958) … M. Lacade
 
1963 This Sporting Life
Charles Slomer
 
1962 Maigret (TV series)
– Seven Little Crosses (1962)
 
1962 Go to Blazes
Warder
 
1962 BBC Sunday-Night Play (TV series)
Slippy Wokingham
– So Many Children (1962) … Slippy Wokingham
 
1962 Z Cars (TV series)
Jakey Ramsden
– Handle with Care (1962) … Jakey Ramsden
 
1961 Three Live Wires (TV series)
– The Ring (1961)
 
1960-1961 No Hiding Place (TV series)
Raymond Watkins / Simpson
– The Long Stretch (1961) … Simpson
– Double Fugue (1960) … Raymond Watkins
 
1961 The Pursuers (TV series)
Pearson
– Supreme Court (1961) … Pearson
 
1960 Sheep's Clothing (TV movie)
Mudor
 
1960 Follow That Horse!
Auctioneer (uncredited)
 
1960 The Day They Robbed the Bank of England
Bank Official (uncredited)
 
1960 The Long Way Home (TV series)
Joubert
– The French Resistance (1960) … Joubert
 
1960 Inside Story (TV series)
Fred
– A Present for Penny (1960) … Fred
 
1959 The Boy and the Bridge
Bridge Mechanic
 
1959 Glencannon (TV series)
Binney
– The Mean Man from Genoa (1959) … Binney
 
1958 All Aboard (TV series)
Sydney Barker, steward
 
1958 Leave It to Todhunter (TV series)
Gunsmith
 
1958 Black Tide
Garage Owner
 
1958 Blind Spot
Garage Mechanic (uncredited)
 
1957 Stranger in Town
Jeweller (uncredited)
 
1957 Hour of Decision
Caligraphy Expert (uncredited)
 
1957 The Errol Flynn Theatre (TV series)
– Evil Thoughts (1957)
 
1956 High Terrace (uncredited)
 
1956 The Green Man
Radio salesman
 
1956 Adventure Theater (TV series)
3rd Drama critic
– Thirty Days to Die (1956) … 3rd Drama critic
 
1956 Who Done It? (uncredited)
 
1955 Murder Anonymous (short)
Fingerprint Expert (uncredited)
 
1955 Passage of Arms (TV movie)
Servant
 
1955 One Way Out
Sam
 
1955 Two Grooms for a Bride
Mr. Fogarty
 
1955 The Woman for Joe
George's Agent (uncredited)
 
1955 The Vale of Shadows (TV movie)
 
1955 The Children of the New Forest (TV series)
Shopkeeper
– Alone (1955) … Shopkeeper
 
1955 Windfall (uncredited)
 
1955 Breakaway
Mitchell
 
1954 The Three Musketeers (TV series)
Bonacieux
– The Queen's Diamonds (1954) … Bonacieux
– D'Artagnan's Mission (1954) … Bonacieux
– The Queen and the Cardinal (1954) … Bonacieux
 
1954 The Last Appointment
Mr. Barrett
 
1954 The Mirror and Markheim (short)
Arthur Henry
 
1954 Gilbert Harding Speaking of Murder
3rd Drama critic
 
1951 To Live in Peace (TV movie)
Friar Silvestro
 
1950 Cage of Gold
Short Man (uncredited)
 
1949 The Spider and the Fly
Town Clerk
 
1949 Poet's Pub
Coach Guide (uncredited)
 
1949 Kind Hearts and Coronets
The Reporter
 
1949 Stop Press Girl
Archibald (uncredited)
 
1949 Floodtide
Pianist (uncredited)
 
1948 Dulcimer Street
Commuter on Train (uncredited)
 
Show ShowSoundtrack (1 title)
1979 Bless Me Father (TV series)
– The Season of Goodwill (1979) (performer: ""See, Amid The Winter's Snow"" aka Hymn For Christmas Day)
 
Show ShowSelf (10 titles)
1982 Looks Familiar (TV series)
Himself - Panellist
– Episode dated 19 April 1982 (1982) … Himself - Panellist
 
1982 Pebble Mill at One (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 14 April 1982 (1982) … Himself
 
1977 Our Show (TV series)
Himself - Guest
– Episode dated 5 November 1977 (1977) … Himself - Guest
 
1977 Going for a Song (TV series documentary)
Himself - On-screen Participant
– Episode dated 2 October 1977 (1977) … Himself - On-screen Participant
 
1976 Nobody Does It Like Marti (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #1.1 (1976) … Himself
 
1971-1976 This Is Your Life (TV series documentary)
Himself / Himself - Guest
– Arnold Ridley (1976) … Himself
– Clive Dunn (1971) … Himself - Guest
 
1972 The Harry Secombe Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #3.3 (1972) … Himself
 
1971 The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #5.2 (1971) … Himself
 
1970 Holiday Startime Special (TV movie)
Himself
 
1970 The Golden Shot (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #3.4 (1970) … Himself
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (27 titles)
2010 The Stars of the Street: 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters (video)
Leonard Swindley
 
2007-2008 Comedy Connections (TV series documentary)
 
2008 Jonathan Ross Salutes 'Dad's Army' (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring (uncredited)
 
2008 The Comedy Map of Britain (TV series documentary)
 
2008 50 Greatest Comedy Catchphrases (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring (uncredited)
 
2007 The Passing Years (video documentary short)
Capt. George Mainwaring/Barry Mainwaring (uncredited)
 
2007 British Film Forever (TV mini-series documentary)
 
2007 Hitler: The Comedy Years (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring (uncredited)
 
2006 Coronation Street (Video Game)
Leonard Swindley (uncredited)
 
2006 The Best of the Royal Variety (TV series)
 
2006 'We Are the Boys...': Arthur Lowe (video documentary short)
Himself
 
2005 Room 101 (TV series)
 
2005 Greatest TV Comedy Moments (TV documentary)
Captain Mainwaring
 
2005 'We Are the Boys...': James Beck (video documentary short)
Capt. George Mainwaring
 
2002 After They Were Famous (TV series documentary)
 
2002 Reputations (TV series documentary)
 
2001 'Dad's Army': Missing Presumed Wiped (TV special documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring
 
2001 The Best of Morecambe & Wise (video)
Himself
 
2001 The Unforgettable John Le Mesurier (TV documentary short)
Capt. George Mainwaring (uncredited)
 
2001 The Greatest (TV series documentary)
 
2000 The Unforgettable Arthur Lowe (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring/Leonard Swindley/Father Charles Duddleswell/Various Characters (uncredited)
 
2000 Don't Panic! The Dad's Army Story (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring
 
1999 Arthur Lowe: A Life on the Box (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring/Himself/Leonard Swindley/Redvers Potter/Father Charles Clement Duddleswell/Henry Duckworth/Jakey Ramsden/Wilkins Micawber (uncredited)
 
1998 Women of Coronation Street (video)
Leonard Swindley
 
1997 Selection Box (TV series)
 
1995 Perry & Croft: The Sitcoms (TV documentary)
Capt. George Mainwaring
 
1977 To See Such Fun (documentary)
Himself
 

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Personal Details

Other Works:

(1967) He acted in Thomas Otway's play, "The Soldier's Fortune," at the Royal Court Theatre in London, England with Sheila Hancock OBE, Charles Thomas, Elizabeth Bell, Bridget Turner, John Nettles, Peter John, and Bernard Gallagher in the cast. Peter Gill was director. See more »

Publicity Listings:

3 Print Biographies  | 1 Interview  | 3 Articles  | 1 Magazine Cover Photo  | See more »

Height:

5' 4" (1.63 m)
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Did You Know?

Trivia:

Among those originally considered for the role of Captain Mainwaring ( Dad's Army), arguably the most famous, was Jon Pertwee. See more »

Star Sign:

Virgo