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Frank Thornton (I) (1921–2013)

Actor | Soundtrack

Trivia:

A Flying Officer during WWII, Frank later toured the RAF Gangshows as a talent-spotter. Amongst those he noted as having potential were Sgt Tony Hancock and Cpl Peter Sellers. See more trivia »

Born:

Frank Thornton Ball
in Dulwich, London, England, UK

Died:

(age 92) in Barnes, London, England, UK
1 photo | 1 video | 15 news articles »

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Related News

DVD Review - Spanish Fly (1976)
22 April 2013 2:33 AM, PDT | Flickeringmyth
Frank Thornton obituary
18 March 2013 5:06 PM, PDT | The Guardian - TV News
Frank Thornton obituary
18 March 2013 5:06 PM, PDT | The Guardian - Film News
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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)".

Christopher Mann's Theatrical Demo Reel

Francine Locke Film Reel -- Family Law (Best Actress, Gideon), Stealing Home (Best Supporting Actress-nom.) 168 Project, True Tale Monster (Albert P. Weisman Award), The Discarded (2011 Feature Release).

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My Demo Reel -- Includes clips from GLORY DAZE, COMMUNITY and horror film URBAN EXPLORER.

My Demo Reel

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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David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama -- On-camera drama reel featuring David H. Lawrence XVII, in scenes from Heroes, The Unit, LOST, and more

David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama


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Filmography

Hide HideActor (144 titles)
2012 Run for Your Wife
Man getting off bus
 
1997-2010 Last of the Summer Wine (TV series)
Truly / Herbert 'Truly' Truelove / Truly of the Yard
– How Not to Cry at Weddings (2010) … Truly
– Look Whose Wheel's Come Off (2010) … Truly
– Howard and the Great Outdoors (2010) … Truly
– The Rights of Man (Except for Howard) (2010) … Truly
– Happy Camping (2010) … Truly
See all 135 episodes »
 
2007 Back in Business
Gardener
 
2004 Holby City (TV series)
Douglas Archer
– We'll Meet Again (2004) … Douglas Archer
 
2003 Doctors (TV series)
Gerard Mears
– A Soldier's Lot (2003) … Gerard Mears
 
2001 Gosford Park
Mr. Burkett
 
2001 Out of the Black
Philip Hart
 
2001 Casualty (TV series)
Edward Gutheridge
– Heroes and Villains (2001) … Edward Gutheridge
 
1996 All Rise for Julian Clary (TV series)
Judge Geoffrey Parker-Knoll (Series 1) (1996)
 
1995 The Upper Hand (TV series)
Reverend Hale
– The Wedding (1995) … Reverend Hale
 
1995 The Old Curiosity Shop (TV movie)
Mr. Witherden
 
1994 Noel's House Party (TV series)
– Episode #4.1 (1994)
 
1992-1993 Are You Being Served? Again! (TV series)
Captain Stephen Peacock
– Episode #2.6 (1993) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Episode #2.5 (1993) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Episode #2.4 (1993) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Episode #2.3 (1993) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Episode #2.2 (1993) … Captain Stephen Peacock
See all 12 episodes »
 
1991 Great Expectations (TV mini-series)
Mr. Trabb
– Chapter One (1991) … Mr. Trabb
 
1990 Mr. Majeika (TV series)
Headmaster
– Bye Bye Barty, Barty Bye Bye (1990) … Headmaster
 
1989 The BFG
Mr Tibbs (voice)
 
1989 T-Bag and the Revenge of the T-Set (TV series)
William Wagadaggar
– The Bard (1989) … William Wagadaggar
 
1987 The Ronnie Corbett Show (TV series)
Various Roles
 
1987 T-Bag Bounces Back (TV series)
Count Boris
– Ivan the Horrible (1987) … Count Boris
– Nights in Arabia (1987) … Count Boris (uncredited)
 
1987 The Sooty Show (TV series)
– On the Piste (1987)
 
1983-1985 The Kenny Everett Television Show (TV series)
Various
– Episode #3.2 (1985) … Various
– Episode dated 26 December 1983 (1983) … Various
– Episode #2.7 (1983) … Various
 
1972-1985 Are You Being Served? (TV series)
Captain Stephen Peacock
– The Pop Star (1985) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Friends and Neighbours (1985) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– The Night Club (1985) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Gambling Fever (1985) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– The Hold Up (1985) … Captain Stephen Peacock
See all 69 episodes »
 
1984 Jane (TV series)
Commander L
– Episode #2.5 (1984) … Commander L
– Episode #2.4 (1984) … Commander L
– Episode #2.3 (1984) … Commander L
– Episode #2.2 (1984) … Commander L
– Episode #2.1 (1984) … Commander L
 
1978-1984 Jackanory Playhouse (TV series)
King Balthazar
– The Knighties (1984)
– Princess Griselda's Birthday Gift (1978) … King Balthazar
 
1982 The Gentle Touch (TV series)
Leo
– Right of Entry (1982) … Leo
 
1981 The Dick Emery Show (TV series)
– Episode #18.3 (1981)
 
1980 The Taming of the Shrew (TV movie)
Gremio
 
1979 Kelly Monteith (TV series)
– Episode #1.4 (1979)
– Episode #1.1 (1979)
 
1971-1977 The Goodies (TV series)
Master of Ceremonies / Waiter
– Rock Goodies (1977) … Master of Ceremonies
– Farm Fresh Food (1971) … Waiter
 
1977 Are You Being Served?
Captain Peacock
 
1976 The New Avengers (TV series)
Roland
– House of Cards (1976) … Roland
 
1976 The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones
Whitlow
 
1976 Spanish Fly
Dr. Johnson
 
1976 The Molly Wopsies (TV series)
Chief Constable
– Arrowing Times (1976) … Chief Constable
 
1975 Keep It Up, Jack
Clarke
 
1975 Side by Side
Inspector Crumb
 
1975 Shades of Greene (TV series)
Rev. Simon Milan
– When Greek Meets Greek (1975) … Rev. Simon Milan
 
1975 Whodunnit? (TV series)
Gerald Harvey
– Nothing to Declare (1975) … Gerald Harvey
 
1975 The Boundary (TV movie)
 
1975 Old Drac
Mr. King
 
1974 Holiday with Strings (TV movie)
Travel Agent
 
1974 The Tommy Cooper Hour (TV series)
– Episode dated 24 April 1974 (1974)
– Episode dated 2 January 1974 (1974)
 
1974 Fall of Eagles (TV mini-series)
Prince Albert
– The English Princess (1974) … Prince Albert
 
1974 Crown Court (TV series)
Professor McIver
– A Case of Murder: Part 1 (1974) … Professor McIver
 
1973 Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World
Estate Agent
 
1962-1973 Steptoe and Son (TV series)
Barman / Butler / Seller / …
– The Party (1973) … Travel Agency Clerk
– Pilgrim's Progress (1965) … The Frenchman
– Steptoe a la Cart (1964) … Butler
– Sixty-Five Today (1963) … Barman
– The Economist (1962) … Seller
 
1973 The Three Musketeers
Man in Small Carriage (uncredited)
 
1961-1973 Armchair Theatre (TV series)
Arthur - groom's father / Frank / Mr. Leslie / …
– That Sinking Feeling (1973) … Arthur - groom's father
– Daughter of the House (1966) … Station Sergeant
– Always Something Hot (1962) … Frank
– His Polyvinyl Girl (1961) … Mr. Leslie
 
1973 Steptoe and Son Ride Again
Mr. Russell
 
1973 No Sex Please: We're British
Glass Shop Manager
 
1973 Thirty Minutes Worth (TV series)
– Episode #2.2 (1973)
 
1973 The Gordon Peters Show (TV series)
Regular
 
1962-1973 Comedy Playhouse (TV series)
Captain Stephen Peacock / Jessop / Mortimer / …
– The Birthday (1973)
– Are You Being Served? (1972) … Captain Stephen Peacock
– Who's Your Friend (1970) … Mr Walters
– Good Luck Sir, You've Got a Lucky Face (1964) … Jessop
– Our Man in Moscow (1963) … Mortimer
See all 6 episodes »
 
1972 That's Your Funeral
Town Clerk
 
1972 The Reg Varney Revue (TV series)
– The Christmas Revue (1972)
– Episode #1.5 (1972)
– Episode #1.4 (1972)
– Episode #1.3 (1972)
– Episode #1.2 (1972)
 
1972 Sykes (TV series)
Dr. Taplow
– Dream (1972) … Dr. Taplow
 
1972 Love Thy Neighbour (TV series)
Barman
– Episode #1.6 (1972) … Barman
 
1972 Our Miss Fred
British Colonel
 
1972 Bless This House
Mr Jones
 
1971 Scott On... (TV series)
– Entertainment (1971)
– Dress (1971)
– Travel (1971)
 
1971 Bachelor Father (TV series)
Vicar
– Woman About the House (1971) … Vicar
 
1971 From a Bird's Eye View (TV series)
– Home Is Where the Heart Is (1971)
 
1971 And Mother Makes Three (TV series)
Store Manager
– Birthday Bike (1971) … Store Manager
 
1971 Some Matters of Little Consequence (TV series)
 
1971 The Chastity Belt
Master of Ceremonies
 
1970 The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer
Tom Stoddart
 
1970 Here Come the Double Deckers! (TV series)
Mr Parsons
– Robbie the Robot (1970) … Mr Parsons
 
1970 She Follows Me About (TV movie)
Meevor
 
1970 The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Porter
 
1970 A Cuckoo in the Nest (TV movie)
Claude Hickett MP
 
1970 The Other Reg Varney (TV movie)
Various Characters
 
1970 Mogul (TV series)
TV Interviewer
– Camelot on a Clear Day (1970) … TV Interviewer
 
1970 Some Will, Some Won't
Hotel Manager
 
1970 The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV series)
Richards the Waiter
– Episode #3.4 (1970) … Richards the Waiter
 
1970 All the Way Up
Mr. Driver
 
1969 The Magic Christian
Police Inspector (uncredited)
 
1969 Mr. Digby Darling (TV series)
Mr. Skidmore
– The Man in Her Life (1969) … Mr. Skidmore
 
1968-1969 The World of Beachcomber (TV series)
– Episode #2.6 (1969)
– Episode #2.5 (1969)
– Episode #2.4 (1969)
– Episode #2.3 (1969)
– Episode #2.2 (1969)
See all 12 episodes »
 
1969 The Bed Sitting Room
The BBC
 
1969 Sophie's Place
Cyril
 
1969 Thicker Than Water (TV series)
Ted Rumbold
– The Fixer (1969) … Ted Rumbold
 
1969 The Assassination Bureau
Elevator victim
 
1969 The Champions (TV series)
Clerk
– The Night People (1969) … Clerk
 
1969 Till Death Us Do Part
Valuation Officer
 
1968 Inside George Webley (TV series)
Maitre d'
– Hold Your Breath and Count to Fifty (1968) … Maitre d'
 
1968 A Flea in Her Ear
Charles the Butler
 
1968 The Bliss of Mrs. Blossom
Factory manager
 
1968 If There Weren't Any Blacks You'd Have to Invent Them (TV movie)
The Undertaker
 
1968 30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia
Registrar
 
1968 City 68' (TV series)
– In Memoriam (1968)
 
1967 Harry Worth (TV series)
Inspector Wallace
– A Policeman's Lot (1967) … Inspector Wallace
 
1967 Ride of the Valkyrie (short)
 
1967 Danny the Dragon
Sergeant Bull
 
1966 Lucy in London (TV movie)
 
1966 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Roman Sentry
 
1966 Carry on Screaming!
Mr. Jones
 
1966 Coronation Street (TV series)
Danny Roach
– Episode #1.545 (1966) … Danny Roach
 
1966 The Liars (TV series)
Alvardo
– Episode #1.6 (1966) … Alvardo
 
1965 The Murder Game
Radio Announcer
 
1965 Norman Wisdom: The Early Bird
Drunken Doctor
 
1965 The Big Job
Bank Official
 
1965 The Man in Room 17 (TV series)
Inspector Bascombe
– The Bequest (1965) … Inspector Bascombe
 
1965 Six Shades of Black (TV series)
Mr. Inchcape-Lewis
– A Loving Disposition (1965) … Mr. Inchcape-Lewis
 
1964-1965 HMS Paradise (TV series)
Commander Fairweather
– The Great Brain Robbery (1965) … Commander Fairweather
– This Side Up - Use No Hooks (1964) … Commander Fairweather
– The New Lieutenant (1964) … Commander Fairweather
– Let That Be a Four Minute Warning to You (1964) … Commander Fairweather
– How to Try in Business Without Really Succeeding (1964) … Commander Fairweather
See all 25 episodes »
 
1965 Frankie Howerd (TV series)
– Episode #1.4 (1965)
 
1965 Gonks Go Beat
Mr. A&R
 
1964 The Tomb of Ligeia
Peperel
 
1964 The Comedy Man
Producer (uncredited)
 
1964 The Dickie Henderson Show (TV series)
– The Job (1964)
 
1964 The Villains (TV series)
Fowler
– Time (1964) … Fowler
 
1963 The Wild Affair
Manager
 
1963 The Sentimental Agent (TV series)
Tailor
– The Scroll of Islam (1963) … Tailor
 
1962-1963 ITV Play of the Week (TV series)
Brig. Gen. Lloyd / Gerald Thornton / Pamphlius / …
– Vicky and the Sultan (1963) … Richard Acton Hicks
– For King and Country #3: Tunnel Trench (1963) … Brig. Gen. Lloyd
– Time and the Conways (1963) … Gerald Thornton
– The Apple Cart (1962) … Pamphlius
 
1963 Benny Hill (TV series)
Frindyke / John Kenwood / Korsikoff
– The Visitor (1963) … John Kenwood
– The Vanishing Man (1963) … Frindyke/Korsikoff
 
1963 Doomsday at Eleven
BBC announcer
 
1960-1962 It's a Square World (TV series)
Various Characters
– Episode #4.6 (1962) … Various Characters
– Episode #3.4 (1962) … Various Characters
– Episode #3.1 (1962) … Various Characters
– Episode #2.4 (1961) … Various Characters
– Episode #2.3 (1961) … Various Characters
See all 9 episodes »
 
1962 Trial and Error
Photographer at Fowle Wedding
 
1962 Hugh and I (TV series)
– Episode #1.4 (1962)
 
1962 Tarnished Heroes
Trench Officer
 
1962 The Cheaters (TV series)
– A Hood from Canada (1962)
 
1962 Ring-a-Ding Rhythm!
TV director
 
1961 Citizen James (TV series)
Ministry Agent
– Episode #2.7 (1961)
– Crusty Bread (1961) … Ministry Agent
 
1961 The Rag Trade (TV series)
Mr. Davis
– Early Start (1961) … Mr. Davis
 
1961 Our House (TV series)
– Vote for Georgina (1961)
 
1961 Victim
George - Henry's Assistant (uncredited)
 
1961 The Avengers (TV series)
Sir William Bonner
– Death on the Slipway (1961) … Sir William Bonner
 
1961 Hancock (TV series)
1st Patient
– The Blood Donor (1961) … 1st Patient
 
1961 The Impersonator
Police Sergeant (uncredited)
 
1961 Danger Man (TV series)
Pepe / Police Captain
– The Hired Assassin (1961) … Pepe
– Find and Return (1961) … Police Captain
 
1960 The Tell-Tale Heart
Barman (uncredited)
 
1959-1960 The Four Just Men (TV series)
Gendarme / The Auctioneer / Azim / …
– The Princess (1960) … Hotel Manager (uncredited)
– The Boy Without a Country (1960) … Policeman
– Money to Burn (1960) … Enrique Vidal
– The Man in the Road (1960) … Gendarme
– The Survivor (1960) … The Announcer
See all 11 episodes »
 
1959 The Men from Room 13 (TV series)
The Second Warder
– The Man Who Watched Birds: Part 1 (1959) … The Second Warder
 
1959 William Tell (TV series)
Heinburgher / Tax Collector
– The Surgeon (1959) … Heinburgher
– Landslide (1959) … Tax Collector
 
1958 Missiles from Hell
British Scientist (uncredited)
 
1957 Dixon of Dock Green (TV series)
PC Cox
– The New Skipper (1957) … PC Cox
 
1956 Operation Conspiracy
Mr. Markley
 
1956 Call Back Yesterday (TV movie)
Pianist
 
1956 Johnny You're Wanted
 
1955 The Granville Melodramas (TV series)
Geoffrey Ware
– The Silver King (1955) … Geoffrey Ware
 
1955 Stock Car
Doctor
 
1954 Radio Cab Murder
Ins. Finch
 
1954 The Silent Witness (short)
George (The Barman) (uncredited)
 
1951 The Passing Show (TV series)
– 1930-1939: The Days Before Yesterday (1951)
 
1950 BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV series)
Sailor
– The Secret Sharer (1950) … Sailor
 
Show ShowSoundtrack (1 title)
1973-1985 Are You Being Served? (TV series)
– The Pop Star (1985) (performer: "Chanson D'Amour" 1958 - uncredited)
– The Clock (1974) (performer: "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow")
– Camping In (1973) (performer: "Keep The Home Fires Burning")
 
Show ShowThanks (1 title)
1985 Are You Being Served? (TV series) (in memory of: 1921 - 2013 - 1 episode)
– Grounds for Divorce (1985) (in memory of: 1921 - 2013)
 
Show ShowSelf (26 titles)
2010 The Unforgettable Mollie Sugden (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2010 The Story of 'Are You Being Served?' (TV documentary)
Himself (also archive footage) / Captain Peacock (also archive footage)
 
2009 Mollie Sugden: A Tribute (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2009 Beyond a Joke (TV series documentary)
Himself
– A Class Apart (2009) … Himself
 
2008 The Greatest Christmas Comedy Moments (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2008 50 Greatest Comedy Catchphrases (TV documentary)
Himself (also archive footage)
 
2007 Children in Need (TV series)
Himself / Restaurant Manager
– Episode dated 16 November 2007 (2007) … Himself/Restaurant Manager
 
2007 Richard & Judy (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 8 March 2007 (2007) … Himself
 
2007 This Morning (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 8 March 2007 (2007) … Himself (voice)
 
2005 The Funny Blokes of British Comedy (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2004 Britain's Best Sitcom (TV series)
Himself
 
2004 The Funny Ladies of British Comedy (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2003 Comedy Connections (TV series documentary)
Himself
– Are You Being Served? (2003) … Himself
 
2003 30 Years of 'Last of the Summer Wine' (TV documentary)
Himself/Truly (also archive footage)
 
1975-2002 This Is Your Life (TV series documentary)
Himself
– Bill Oddie (2002) … Himself
– Frank Thornton (1998) … Himself
– Trevor Bannister (1998) … Himself
– Mollie Sugden (1975)
 
2001 Wendy Richard: A Life on the Box (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1999-2001 Funny Turns (TV series documentary)
Himself
– Kathy Staff: Wrinkles and All (2001) … Himself
– John Inman (1999) … Himself
 
2001 Blankety Blank (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #17.6 (2001) … Himself
 
1998 What's a Carry On? (TV documentary)
Himself, at Re-Union (uncredited)
 
1997 Dick Emery: A Life on the Box (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1997 Auntie's TV Favourites (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #1.6 (1997) … Himself
 
1997 An Audience with Bruce Forsyth (TV movie)
Himself
 
1993-1995 Telly Addicts (TV series)
Himself
– Christmas Special (1995) … Himself
– Episode #9.9 (1993) … Himself
 
1982-1984 3-2-1 (TV series)
– Further Fables (1984)
– Aesop's Fables (1984)
– New Year Special (1982)
 
1976 Seaside Special (TV series)
Himself
– The Ken Dodd Centenary Show (1976) … Himself
 
1974 Sez Les (TV series)
Himself / Various Characters
– Episode #9.5 (1974) … Himself/Various Characters
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (3 titles)
2007 A Tribute to John Inman (TV documentary short)
Captain Stephen Peacock
 
2004 Sykes in the Studio (video short)
 
1992 The Best of 'Are You Being Served?' (TV movie)
Captain Stephen Peacock
 

Related Videos

Spanish Fly -- Trailer for Spanish Fly
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Personal Details

Other Works:

(1975) He acted in Sir George Bernard Shaw's play, "The Doctor's Dilemma", at the Mermaid Theatre in London, England with Simon Callow CBE, Derek Godfrey, Tony Jay, Sir Nigel Hawthorne CBE, James Villiers, James Cairncross, Lynn Farleigh and Kenneth Cranham in the cast. Robert Chetwyn was the director. See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Article  | 1 Magazine Cover Photo  | See more »

Alternate Names:

Frank Thornton Ball

Height:

6' 1" (1.85 m)
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Did You Know?

Trivia:

A Flying Officer during WWII, Frank later toured the RAF Gangshows as a talent-spotter. Amongst those he noted as having potential were Sgt Tony Hancock and Cpl Peter Sellers. See more »

Star Sign:

Capricorn