Gareth Gwenlan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gareth Gwenlan
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| Born | 26 April 1937 Brecon, Wales
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| Died | 8 May 2016 (aged 79) Herefordshire, England
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| Nationality | Welsh |
| Alma mater | Rose Bruford College |
| Occupation | Television producer, director |
| Years active | 1975–2016 |
| Known for | The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin Butterflies To the Manor Born Only Fools and Horses The Green Green Grass Rock & Chips |
| Spouse(s) | Valerie Bonner (1962-?;divorced) Sarah Fanghanel (1986-?;divorced) Gail Evans
(m. 2000; |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | OBE (2013) |
Gareth Gwenlan was a talented Welsh television producer and director. He was born on April 26, 1937, and passed away on May 8, 2016. He is famous for his work on many popular TV shows. Some of his best-known shows include The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Butterflies, To the Manor Born, and Only Fools and Horses. For his great contributions to television, he received an important award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Gareth Gwenlan was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, on April 26, 1937. His parents, Charles Aneuryn Gwenlan and Mary, were both teachers.
He went to Vaynor and Penderyn High School. After school, he joined the RAF in Cyprus for his National Service. In 1960, he started training to be an actor. He studied at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in Sidcup. He also trained at the York Theatre Royal.
A Career in Television
Gwenlan started his career at the BBC. He began as an assistant floor manager. He also worked as a production assistant in the drama department. One of the shows he worked on was Doctor Who.
Later, he moved into making comedy shows. He produced popular series like The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin and Butterflies. He also produced To the Manor Born.
Leading BBC Comedy
In 1983, Gareth Gwenlan became the Head of BBC Comedy. This was a very important job. He held this position until 1990. During this time, he also directed the sitcom Double First in 1988.
In 1988, he took over as the producer of Only Fools and Horses. This was a very popular show. He stayed with the series until it ended in 2003.
A Famous Rejection
Gwenlan is also known for a famous decision he made. As Head of Comedy, he turned down the sitcom Red Dwarf. He thought the show would only work if there was "a sofa in the spacecraft." Because of this, the name 'Gwenlan' was used as a funny "swearword" in the first series of Red Dwarf.
Family Life
Gareth Gwenlan was a father to two children. He passed away on May 8, 2016.
