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Diana Dors was born Diana Mary Fluck on October 23, 1931 in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. She and her mother both nearly died from the traumatic birth. Because of the trauma, her mother lavished on Diana anything and everything she wanted--clothes, toys and dance lessons were the order of the day. Diana's love of films began when her mother took her to the local movies theaters. The actresses on the screen caught Diana's attention and she said, herself, that from the age of three she wanted to be an actress. She was educated in the finest private schools, much to the chagrin of her father (apparently he thought private education was a waste of money). Physically, Diana grew up fast. At age 12, she looked and acted much older than what she was. Much of this was due to the actresses she studied on the silver screen and Diana trying to emulate them. She wanted nothing more than to go to the United States and Hollywood to have a chance to make her place in film history. After placing well in a local beauty contest, Diana was offered a role in a thespian group (she was 13).

The following year, Diana enrolled at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to hone her acting skills. She was the youngest in her class. Her first fling at the camera was in The Shop at Sly Corner (1947). She did not care that it was a small, uncredited role; she was on film and at age 16, that's all that mattered. That was quickly followed by Dancing with Crime (1947), which consisted of nothing more than a walk-on role. Up until this time, Diana had pretended to be 17 years old (if producers had known her true age, they probably would not have let her test for the role). However, since she looked and acted older, this was no problem. Diana's future dawned bright in 1948, and she appeared in no less than six films. Some were uncredited, but some had some meat to the roles. The best of the lot was the role of Charlotte in the classic Oliver Twist (1948). Throughout the 1950s, she appeared in more films and became more popular in Britain. Diana was a pleasant version of Marilyn Monroe, who had taken the United States by storm. Britain now had its own version.

Diana continued to play sexy sirens and kept seats in British theaters filled. She really came into her own as an actress. She was more than a woman who exuded her sexy side, she was a very fine actress as her films showed. As the 1960s turned into the 1970s, she began to play more mature roles with an effectiveness that was hard to match. Films such as Craze (1974), Swedish Wildcats (1972), The Amorous Milkman (1975) and Three for All (1975) helped fill out her resume. After filming Steaming (1985), Diana was diagnosed with cancer, which was too much for her to overcome. The British were saddened when word came of her death at age 52 on May 4, 1984 in Windsor, Berkshire, England.

Richard Beckinsale was an English actor, primarily known for his roles in sitcoms. His best known characters were prison inmate Leonard Arthur "Lennie" Godber in "Porridge" (1974-1977) and its sequel series "Going Straight" (1978), and medical student Alan Moore in "Rising Damp" (1974-1978).

Beckinsale was born in the suburban town of Carlton, Nottinghamshire, which is part of the Borough of Gedling. His father Arthur John Beckinsale was Anglo-Burmese, while his mother Maggie Barlow was English. Beckinsale claimed to be a distant cousin of actor Charles Laughton (1899-1962).

Beckinsale attended College House Junior School in Chilwell, and performed in many school plays. His first notable role was that of Dopey the Dwarf in a school play adaptation of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". He also appeared in school plays while attending Alderman White Secondary Modern School. In 1962, he decided to drop out of school and pursue a career as a professional actor. At age 15, Beckinsale was too young to attend drama school. He financially supported himself through a series of odd jobs.

In 1963, Beckinsale was enrolled at Nottingham College, Clarendon, pursuing a drama teacher's training programme. In 1965, Beckinsale applied for training the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). He was accepted there with his second audition, one of only 31 applicants accepted. During his training, Beckinsale accepted a comedy award. He graduated in 1968.

Following his graduation, Beckinsale started appearing in repertory theatre. He toured the United Kingdom with such roles as the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz", Sir Andrew Aguecheek in "Twelfth Night", and the title role in Shakespeare's Hamlet. He made his television debut in 1969, playing a one-shot police officer character in the soap opera "Coronation Street". He next gained a minor role in the drama series "A Family at War" (1970-1972).

His first major television role was that of leading Geoffrey Scrimshaw in the sitcom "The Lovers" (1970-1971). The premise was having a mismatched couple, with a romantic girl paired with a sex-obsessed boyfriend. It was a minor ratings hit and brought some much-needed fame to Beckinsale.

Beckinsale's career reached new heights with the hit sitcoms "Porridge" and "Rising Damp". He also appeared in the sequel series "Going Straight", with the humorous concept of former prison inmates trying to rebuild their lives and seeking honest jobs. His final major role was as the leading actor in the sitcom "Bloomers", but only five episodes were completed before his death.

In December, 1978, while filming episodes for "Bloomers", Beckinsale suffered from dizzy spells. He was worried about his health and sought medical help, but his doctor reassured him that his only health problems were "an overactive stomach lining, and slightly high cholesterol". He subsequently had further signs of ill health, but he attributed them to his nerves.

By 18 March, 1979, Beckinsale was suffering from pain in his chest and arms, but decided against seeking further help. He went to bed, and was found dead the next morning. He had died during the night due to a heart attack. At the time of his death, his wife Judy Loe was recovering in hospital after having an operation. A post-mortem examination revealed that his recent health problems were the results of undiagnosed coronary artery disease. He was only 31 at the time of his death.

Beckinsale was cremated in Bracknell, Berkshire, and his remains were taken to Mortlake Crematorium. A memorial service for him was attended by 300 people, a testament to his popularity. In his will, he left about 65,000 pounds for his wife and daughters. Only 18,000 pounds were left after taxes.

George Cole OBE was a veteran British film, television and stage actor whose impressive career 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 1940s, appearing with Alastair Sim and Sir John Mills in the film Bombsight Stolen (1941). Further success came throughout the 1950s and 1960s, 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 (1963), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison. During the 1970s, George continued to star in films and television programmes, 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 (1979) co-star) in the horror film, Fright (1971). In 1979, Cole was cast as the hapless "Arthur Daley", a self-professed entrepreneur in the ITV drama Minder (1979), 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 (1979), George continued with other projects in film and television, including Root Into Europe (1992), An Independent Man (1995), Mary Reilly (1996), Dad (1997), Station Jim (2001), Bodily Harm (2002) and, alongside his good friend Dennis Waterman, in the BBC hit drama, New Tricks (2003). He 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 Britain's 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.

Anton Rodgers was born on 10 January 1933 in Ealing, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), The Merchant of Venice (2004) and The Fourth Protocol (1987). He was married to Elizabeth Garvie and Morna Watson. He died on 1 December 2007 in Reading, Berkshire, England, UK.

Bushy-browed, triple-chinned and plummy-voiced English actor and raconteur of wide girth and larger-than-life personality. The son of a career army officer, Morley was expected to join the diplomatic corps. As a 'compromise', he tried his hand as a beer salesman. However, bitten by the acting bug since first performing in a kindergarten play, he prevailed over the wishes of his parents and enrolled at RADA. He made his theatrical debut at London's Strand Theatre, in a 1929 production of "Treasure Island", playing the part of a pirate for $5 a week. During the next few years, Morley honed his craft by touring regional theatres, writing or co-writing the occasional play, and, when money was hard to come by, selling vacuum cleaners. For a while, he managed his own repertory company in tandem with fellow actor Peter Bull in the Cornish seaside resort of Perranporth. Morley eventually returned to the London stage in a much acclaimed performance as "Oscar Wilde", a role he took to Broadway in October 1938.

On the strength of this, he was invited to Hollywood and garnered an Oscar nomination for his first screen role as the effete, simple-minded monarch Louis XVI, in MGM's lavish production of Marie Antoinette (1938). Back in Britain, he then played the armaments millionaire Andrew Undershaft in George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara (1941), a performance praised by Bosley Crowther as "deliciously satanic, profoundly suave and tender" (NY Times, May 15 1941). Happily managing to avoid military participation in the Second World War, Morley spent the remainder of the decade acting in such prestigious theatrical showpieces as "The Man Who Came to Dinner", and as star and co-author of "Edward, My Son". His defining performance in the play led the critic Brooks Atkinson to comment on his "studied authority ... which might sound like an affectation in an actor of inferior style"(NY Times, June 4 1992).

Morley acted on screen in a variety of very British, sometimes eccentric, sometimes giddy, often pompous, but rarely dislikeable characters. At his best, he was the expatriate Elmer Almayer, at once pitiable and overbearing, in Outcast of the Islands (1951); the Sydney Greenstreet parody Peterson in John Huston's Beat the Devil (1953); as another languid monarch, George III in the colourful period drama Beau Brummell (1954); as Oscar Wilde (1960), recreating his original stage triumph; and as a food critic in the hugely enjoyable Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? (1978). He also performed occasionally in TV movies and miniseries. His wit was much appreciated on chat shows, both in Britain and the U.S., where was a frequent and popular guest. He was also the voice of British Airways in commercials of the 70's and early 80's, promising "we'll take good care of you" -- something he did with his acting for over half a century. Robert Morley was awarded a CBE in 1957. He died as the result of a stroke in Reading, Berkshire, at the age of 84.

Alan Lake was born on 24 November 1940 in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Avengers (1961), The Growing Summer (1968) and Department S (1969). He was married to Diana Dors. He died on 10 October 1984 in Sunningdale, Berkshire, England, UK.

Michael Angelis was born on 29 April 1944 in Paddington, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for World's End (1981), Melissa (1997) and September Song (1993). He was married to Jennifar Khalastchi and Helen Worth. He died on 30 May 2020 in Thatcham, Berkshire, England, UK.

Tom Adams was born on 9 March 1938 in Poplar, London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for The Great Escape (1963), The 2nd Best Secret Agent in the Whole Wide World (1965) and Fathom (1967). He died on 11 December 2014 in Slough, Berkshire, England, UK.

Canadian actor who was long resident in the UK. He worked as a recreational therapist in a mental hospital in his native country, and claimed he gained more knowledge about acting in that role than he would do later. He arrived in England in 1949 and studied at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. After working in radio and theatre, he was given a seven year contract with ABC Television (the British company) after appearing in the prison drama The Last Mile in 1957. He later branched out into films, but was never to fulfill his early promise.

Eddie Powell was born on 9 March 1927 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Aliens (1986), Legend (1985) and Enemy Mine (1985). He was married to Rosemary Burrows. He died on 11 August 2000 in Berkshire, England, UK.

Jack Clayton was born on 1 March 1921 in Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK. He was a producer and assistant director, known for The Innocents (1961), Our Mother's House (1967) and Screen Two (1984). He was married to Haya Harareet, Katherine Kath and Christine Norden. He died on 26 February 1995 in Slough, Berkshire, England, UK.

Ronald Allen was born on 16 December 1930 in Reading, Berkshire, England, UK. He was an actor, known for A Night to Remember (1958), The Projected Man (1966) and Doctor Who (1963). He was married to Sue Lloyd. He died on 18 June 1991 in Reading, Berkshire, England, UK.

Joan Rice was born on 3 February 1930 in Derby, Derbyshire, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952), His Majesty O'Keefe (1954) and I Promised to Pay (1961). She was married to Ken McKenzie and David Green. She died on 1 January 1997 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, UK.

Robin Hardy was born on 2 October 1929 in Wimbledon, London, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for The Wicker Man (1973), The Fantasist (1986) and Forbidden Sun (1988). He was married to Victoria. He died on 1 July 2016 in Reading, Berkshire, England, UK.

Rolf Harris came to London in 1952 to study Art. A year later he was appearing on TV as an artist and storyteller and had his first hit as a singer in the early sixties with Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport. After a relatively quiet period in his life in the late seventies, his brother Bruce Harris became his manager and reinvented him. Harris is perhaps best known for his 1969 hit song Two Little Boys. His hero is Val Doonican. Harris enjoys taking photos, and dislikes unnecessary bad manners and inconsiderate behaviour.

In 2014, Harris was jailed for five years and nine months following his conviction for historic sexual abuse against four girls dating back to the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. His crimes came to light following the death and subsequent sordid revelations of prolific sexual abuse by broadcaster, DJ and charity fundraiser Sir Jimmy Savile, which in turn led to the establishment of Operation Yewtree, a police investigation into historic sexual abuse by celebrities. Harris was arrested and charged by Operation Yewtree officers, although his crimes were not directly connected to Savile, and convicted by a unanimous verdict of the jury.

Sylvia Anderson is the co-creator of a string of hit TV shows through the late 1950s, 1960s and 70s. Her most memorable contribution as an actress is the voice of Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds - one of many series she co-created with former husband Gerry Anderson. Sylvia's talents are evident in the characterization throughout their various series. She was against Martin Landau and Barbara Bain being cast in Space: 1999 (1975) but was overruled by ITC chief Lew Grade.

The forgotten heroine of Britain's famous TV shows, she's had to watch former husband Gerry take most of the limelight over the years. A fascinating woman with overwhelming talent, she now represents the American network HBO in Pinewood Studios in London, England.

Tim Brooke-Taylor was born on 17 July 1940 in Buxton, Derbyshire, England, UK. He was an actor and writer, known for The Goodies (1970), At Last the 1948 Show (1967) and Bananaman (1983). He was married to Christine Wheadon. He died on 12 April 2020 in Cookham, Berkshire, England, UK.

Susan Sheridan was born on 18 March 1947 in Surbiton, Surrey, England, UK. She was an actress, known for The Black Cauldron (1985), Midsomer Murders (1997) and Moomin (1990). She was married to Max Brittain and Michael Sheridan. She died on 8 August 2015 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK.

Michael Parkinson was educated at Barnsley Grammar School. He left at the age of 16 and his ambition of becoming a professional cricketer was dashed when he was rejected by Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He turned to journalism, worked on several local newspapers in Yorkshire before joining the Manchester Guardian. Michael covered all sorts, from chip pan fires in Oldham to political conferences. He joined the Observer to write about sport and became a columnist with The Sunday Times.

His first work in television was as a current affairs producer at Granada Television. He joined the BBC as a reporter for "24 Hours". In 1969 he became the presenter of Granada's Cinema series. In 1971 he presented Thames Television's regular afternoon show, Teabreak. The BBC decided to give the still relatively young broadcaster his own evening chat show, "Parkinson", the same year. With his working class accent, Michael Parkinson was a breath of fresh air and over the next 11 years he interviewed many of the leading celebrities of the time.

The programme established him as one of the best known faces on television, and his fame resulted in his writing for the first edition of the British Cosmopolitan Magazine and his appearance with Jon Pertwee on the front of the Radio Times. His relaxed chat show was axed in 1982. Parkinson moved to ITV and became part of the Famous Five that launched TV AM. In 1998 the BBC resurrected "Parkinson" and the ageing presenter found himself back on prime-time. He presents his own show on BBC Radio 2, during which he plays much of his beloved jazz music. He maintains notoriety for his outspoken comments about other television personalities, the Government and the state of British sport. Michael currently claims he will retire before he's 70 and set about writing the book of his life.

Her family was from Liverpool where she was born but she was brought up in Berkshire, She ran away from home at 17 as she wanted to be an artist like her father but didn't have he talent so decided to be an actress and answered an advertisement for an assistant stage manager with a small touring company then went into repertory at Guilford

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was born on 4 August 1900 in St. Paul's Waldenbury, Hertfordshire, England, UK. She was married to King George VI. She died on 30 March 2002 in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK.

John Boulting was born on 21 December 1913 in Bray, Berkshire, England, UK. He was a producer and director, known for I'm All Right Jack (1959), Seven Days to Noon (1950) and Private's Progress (1956). He was married to Anne Josephine Flynn, Ann Marion Ware, Jacqueline Helen Duncan and Veronica Davide Davidson. He died on 17 June 1985 in Sunningdale, Berkshire, England, UK.

Lana Morris always appeared to be more confident and mature than the other post war British starlets. However, the big roles always escaped her and she appeared as a supporting actress in many British films of the 1950s. She later re-started her career, appearing as a professional panellist on many of the TV shows of the 1960s.

She gave up acting when she married George Cole in 1966 and had a son, Toby, born 1941 and a daughter, Tara born 1969. She got a taste for acting again when she played a dragon landlady who fancied Arfur in Minder. She then played Ellie Butler in a children's tv serial Running Scared. Since 1979 she's been running Mrs Coles Music Hall which she produces at The Mill at Sonning in Berkshire each Xmas season and which started as a charity venture.

Felix wanted to go into show business from school but his parents persuaded him to take an apprenticeship as a shop fitter which he finished in 1946t then he was called up to the Royal Berkshire Regiment.He enjoyed boxing and was an amateur Flyweight champion for London and the Southern Counties .He entered a talent contest in Reading in 1944 and encouraged by Elsie and Doris Waters when they were on the same radio show he became a warm up man on the Morecambe and Wise television show for 20 years , He married Mavis in October 1950 and had a son Robert ho became a policeman