Derek Fowlds facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Derek Fowlds
Fowlds in 1974
Born	Derek James Fowlds (1937-09-02)2 September 1937 Wandsworth, London, England
Died	17 January 2020(2020-01-17) (aged 82) Bath, Somerset, England
Occupation	Actor, presenter
Years active	1962–2020
Spouse(s)	Wendy Tory ​ ​ (m. 1963; div. 1973)​ Lesley Judd ​ ​ (m. 1974; div. 1978)​
Partner(s)	Jo Lindsay (1976–2012; her death)
Children	2

Derek Fowlds (born September 2, 1937 – died January 17, 2020) was a famous English actor. He was well-known for playing "Mr Derek" in The Basil Brush Show. This was a popular children's TV series from 1969 to 1973. He also played Bernard Woolley in the funny political show Yes Minister (1980–1984) and its follow-up Yes, Prime Minister (1986–1988). Later, he became known as Oscar Blaketon in the long-running police drama Heartbeat (1992–2010).

Early Life and Beginnings

Where Derek Grew Up

Derek James Fowlds was born on September 2, 1937, in Wandsworth, London, England. His father was a salesman. When he was young, Derek, his mother, and his sister moved to Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire. They lived at his grandmother's house.

School and Early Jobs

Derek went to Ashlyns School. After leaving school at 15, he started working as an apprentice at a printing company. He also spent two years in the RAF as a radio operator. This was part of his national service.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting His Acting Journey

Derek enjoyed acting as a hobby. His teacher saw his talent and told him to try acting as a job. In 1958, Derek won a special scholarship to study at RADA. This is a very famous acting school.

First Roles and The Basil Brush Show

After his training, Derek performed on the famous West End stage in a play called The Miracle Worker. He also appeared in several films, like Tamahine (1963) and Frankenstein Created Woman (1967).

However, many children in Britain knew him best as "Mr. Derek" on The Basil Brush Show. He was the presenter for four series of this fun children's program, working alongside the puppet fox, Basil Brush.

Playing Bernard Woolley in Yes Minister

Derek Fowlds took on the role of Bernard Woolley in the popular TV show Yes Minister. This show was about the British government. Bernard Woolley was a somewhat innocent and eager private secretary. He worked for Jim Hacker, a government minister, played by Paul Eddington. Later, Jim Hacker became the Prime Minister in the sequel, Yes, Prime Minister. Derek continued to play Bernard in this show too.

Oscar Blaketon in Heartbeat

From 1992, Derek Fowlds played a very well-known character named Oscar Blaketon in the TV series Heartbeat. This show was set in the 1960s in Yorkshire. Oscar Blaketon started as a police sergeant. Later, he retired from the police force and ran the local post office. After that, he became a publican, running a pub. Derek played this character for 18 years, making him a familiar face to many viewers.

Personal Life and Passing

Family Life

Derek Fowlds was married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce. He had two sons, and one of them, Jeremy Fowlds, also became an actor. Derek also had a partner, Jo Lindsay, for 36 years. She passed away in 2012. In 2015, Derek wrote a book about his life called A Part Worth Playing.

His Final Years

Derek Fowlds passed away on January 17, 2020, at the age of 82. He died in Bath from complications of heart failure and sepsis, which followed pneumonia. His funeral was held in Holt, Wiltshire on February 17, 2020.

Film and TV Appearances