Frank Williams (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Williams
|
|
|---|---|
Williams in 2011
|
|
| Born |
Frank John Williams
2 July 1931 |
| Died | 26 June 2022 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Comedy actor |
| Years active | 1953–2022 |
|
Notable work
|
The Army Game and Dad's Army |
Frank John Williams (born July 2, 1931 – died June 26, 2022) was a well-known English actor. He is most famous for playing the kind Reverend Timothy Farthing in the popular BBC television show Dad's Army. This show was a comedy series that ran from 1969 to 1977.
Frank Williams often played characters who were part of the clergy, like vicars or church officials. He appeared in similar roles in other TV shows such as You Rang, M'Lord?, Hi-de-Hi!, and Vanity Fair. He even played Reverend Farthing again in the 2016 movie version of Dad's Army.
Contents
Frank Williams' Early Life
Frank Williams was born in Edgware, Middlesex, England. His birthday was on July 2, 1931. His father, William Williams, was Welsh. His mother was Alice Myles.
He went to several schools as a child. These included a temporary school in St Andrew’s Church and two private schools. Later, he attended Ardingly College in West Sussex. He also went to Hendon School. Frank was an only child. In 1956, he bought a house not far from his parents' home.
Frank Williams' Acting Career
Frank Williams began his acting journey in repertory theatre. This is a type of theatre where a company performs different plays regularly. He worked with the Watford Palace Theatre. This theatre was run by Jimmy Perry, who later created Dad's Army. At the theatre, Frank met many actors he would work with again. These included Michael Knowles and Colin Bean.
Early Television and Film Roles
In the 1950s, television was still quite new. Frank wanted to work in TV. He made several TV appearances during this time. He had small parts in the first season of The Army Game. In 1957, he became a regular character. He played Captain Pocket, a commanding officer. Frank continued in this role until the show ended in 1960. He appeared in 116 episodes of The Army Game.
His first film role was a small, uncredited part in The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan in 1953. His first bigger role was in the 1956 film The Extra Day. In this movie, he played a character named Sid. Frank also appeared in three films with the famous comedian Norman Wisdom. These films were The Square Peg (1958), The Bulldog Breed (1960), and A Stitch In Time (1963). He also acted in other films like One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing (1975) and Jabberwocky (1977).
Becoming the Vicar in Dad's Army
Frank Williams' most famous role was the vicar in Dad's Army. His first appearance was in the episode "The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones". This was the first episode of the third season. He had worked with the show's producer, David Croft, before. He also knew Jimmy Perry from the Watford Palace Theatre.
Frank thought he was only making a one-time appearance. He didn't realize he would become a regular character. He ended up appearing in half of the show's 80 episodes. He was also in both Dad's Army feature films. In 2021, Frank said that working on Dad's Army was "the happiest period of my professional life." Interestingly, when he was at Hendon County School, Frank acted in a play called The Ghost Train. This play was written by Arnold Ridley, who also starred in Dad's Army.
Other Notable TV Appearances
Frank Williams appeared in other TV shows too. He was in the short-lived comedy As Good Cooks Go (1970). He also had a cameo role in Monty Python's Flying Circus (1972). Later, he played a record producer in All You Need Is Cash (1978).
He had a regular role in You Rang, M'Lord?. This was another series written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Frank played Lord Bishop Charles in 14 out of 26 episodes.
Frank was a guest on TV shows like This Morning in 2008. He talked about Dad's Army with other cast members. He also appeared on Jonathan Ross Salutes Dad's Army.
Frank Williams joined other surviving Dad's Army cast members in a parade. This was for the 100th Birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Dad's Army was her favorite TV show. Frank also wrote several plays himself. His autobiography, Vicar to Dad's Army: the Frank Williams story, was published in 2002.
Dad's Army Appreciation Society
In 1993, Frank Williams helped start the Dad's Army Appreciation Society with Bill Pertwee. He was the society's vice president. After Bill Pertwee passed away in 2013, Frank became the president. He attended many society events until his own death.
Frank Williams played the vicar again in the 2016 Dad's Army movie. He enjoyed the four days of filming. He noted that the film had mixed reactions from fans. This was because seeing new actors play beloved roles was hard for some to accept.
Frank Williams' Personal Life
Frank Williams lived in his hometown of Edgware, Greater London. He was a Christian throughout his life. Until 2000, he was a member of the House of Laity. This is part of the General Synod of the Church of England.
Frank was also a supporter of Veneratio. This is a charity that helps prevent older people from feeling lonely.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Frank shared how he was doing. He said he was living with his good friend Ronald Grainge. They met during the Dad's Army stage show in 1975. They spent time at home, watching TV dramas and old films. He also enjoyed "older comedies" and chat shows with comedians.
Frank Williams passed away on June 26, 2022. He died just six days before his 91st birthday. A statement was shared on Facebook announcing his passing.
