Frank Thornton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frank Thornton
Thornton as Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served?
Born	Frank Thornton Ball (1921-01-15)15 January 1921 Dulwich, London, England
Died	16 March 2013(2013-03-16) (aged 92) Barnes, London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1947–2013

Frank Thornton (born Frank Thornton Ball; 15 January 1921 – 16 March 2013) was a famous English actor. He was best known for his roles in popular TV shows. These included playing Captain Peacock in the comedy series Are You Being Served? and its follow-up Grace & Favour. He also played Herbert "Truly" Truelove in Last of the Summer Wine.

Early Life and Acting Dreams

Frank Thornton Ball was born in Dulwich, London. His mother was Rosina Mary Thornton, and his father was William Ernest Ball. Frank's father was an organist at a church, and Frank briefly learned to play the organ too. However, music was not his passion. From a young age, Frank really wanted to be an actor.

His father worked in a bank and wanted Frank to have a steady job. So, after leaving Alleyn's School, Frank started working in insurance. But he didn't give up on acting. He soon joined a small acting school called the London School of Dramatic Art. He took evening classes there. After two years in insurance, he convinced his father to let him study acting full-time.

During the Second World War, Frank's drama school moved for safety. His first acting job was touring with plays in Ireland. After that, he joined the Royal Air Force as an airman. He became an officer before the war ended in 1947.

Marriage and Family Life

On 5 June 1945, Frank Thornton married an actress named Beryl Evans. They had one daughter together, named Jane.

Frank Thornton's Acting Career

After leaving the Royal Air Force in 1947, Frank quickly joined a repertory company. This meant he performed in many different plays. His first credited movie role was in Radio Cab Murder (1954). Throughout the 1950s, he worked on stage and in a few films. He soon became a familiar face on British television.

Becoming a TV Star

Frank Thornton often appeared in comedy shows. He was a regular on It's a Square World. He also appeared in many famous British sitcoms. These included Hancock, Steptoe and Son, Sykes, and The Goodies. He worked with many top comedians like Dick Emery and Benny Hill.

From 1966 to 1968, he starred in the BBC radio comedy The Embassy Lark. This show was a spin-off from another popular radio show, The Navy Lark.

Film Roles and Dramatic Parts

Frank also continued to act in movies during the 1960s and 1970s. Many of these were comedies like Carry On Screaming! and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He also appeared in the film The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970). In 1974, he took on a serious role. He played Prince Albert in the TV series Fall of Eagles.

Captain Peacock and Later Roles

Frank Thornton is most famous for playing Captain Peacock. This character was a strict and formal sales assistant in the long-running BBC comedy Are You Being Served?. He played this role from 1972 to 1985. He then played Captain Peacock again in the sequel series Grace & Favour from 1992 to 1993.

In 1984, he starred in the musical Me and My Girl in London. His performance earned him great reviews and an Olivier Award nomination. Later, in 1997, he joined the cast of Last of the Summer Wine. He played Herbert "Truly" Truelove, a character known for his clever ideas. He also appeared in the movie Gosford Park (2001). In 1998, Frank Thornton was the special guest on the TV show This Is Your Life.

His Final Years

Frank Thornton passed away peacefully in his sleep on 16 March 2013. He was 92 years old and died at his home in Barnes, London.

Selected Filmography