Bernard Joseph Cribbins OBE

 Bernard Joseph Cribbins OBE

Bernard Joseph Cribbins OBE (29 December 1928 – 27 July 2022) was an English actor and singer whose career spanned more than seven decades.

He was known for his roles in films, television, and radio, as well as his successful novelty records.

Cribbins was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England, and began his acting career in the early 1950s. He made his film debut in 1958, and appeared in a number of comedies, including Carry On Sergeant (1958) and Two-Way Stretch (1960). He also had a successful career in television, appearing in shows such as Doctor Who (1970), Fawlty Towers (1975), and The Wombles (1973–75).

Cribbins was also a successful singer, and had a number of hit records in the 1960s, including

"The Hole in the Ground"

and

"Right Said Fred".

He continued to work in all areas of the entertainment industry until his death in 2022.

Cribbins was a versatile and talented actor, and his work spanned a wide range of genres. He was known for his comedic timing and his ability to play a variety of characters. He was also a gifted singer, and his novelty records were popular with audiences of all ages.

Cribbins was a much-loved figure in British entertainment, and his death was a great loss to the industry. He will be remembered for his many memorable roles, his infectious sense of humor, and his distinctive voice.

Awards and honors

• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2011)
• British Academy Children's Awards Special Award (2009)
• J. M. Barrie Award (2014)

Selected filmography

• Carry On Sergeant (1958)
• Two-Way Stretch (1960)
• The Railway Children (1970)
• Frenzy (1972)
• The Wombles (1973–75)
• Doctor Who (1970, 2007)
• Fawlty Towers (1975)
• The Box of Delights (1984)
• Still Crazy (1998)

Selected television appearances

• Jackanory (1966–91)
• The Wombles (narrator, 1973–75)
• Old Jack's Boat (2013–15)
• Doc Martin (2015)
• Call the Midwife (2017)

Selected radio appearances

• The Goon Show (1958–60)
• The Navy Lark (1959–67)
• Just a Minute (1967–2018)

Selected discography

• The Hole in the Ground (1960)
• Right Said Fred (1962)
• Cribbins' Hits (1965)
• The Wombles (1973)
• Bernard Cribbins Sings the Beatles (1974)
• Old Jack's Boat (2013)

Further reading

• Bernard Cribbins: A Life in Comedy by Mark Lewisohn (2009)
• Bernard Cribbins: The Biography by Marcus Berkmann (2011)
• Bernard Cribbins: An Appreciation by Nicholas Shrimpton (2022)