BIOGRAPHY
Ian Lavender (1946 to 2024) Actor and much loved star of British television and stage
Arthur Ian Lavender was born on 16 February 1946 in Birmingham, England, to Edward and Kathleen Lavender. He attended Bournville Boys Technical School where he first performed in school plays before winning a grant from the City of Birmingham to train at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
After graduating in 1967 he began stage work in Canterbury before stepping into television. His first TV appearance was as the lead in Half Hour Story: Flowers at My Feet in 1968. Later that same year, at just 22, he was cast in the role that would make him a household name, Private Frank Pike in the classic comedy Dad’s Army. Ian appeared in all 80 episodes of the series from 1968 to 1977 and also featured in the radio adaptations and stage versions.
Following the success of Dad’s Army, Ian enjoyed a long and varied career across television, film and theatre. On radio he starred in Parsley Sidings and the Dad’s Army spin off It Sticks Out Half a Mile. His television work included guest roles in Yes Minister, Keeping Up Appearances and a regular part in EastEnders as Derek Harkinson. His stage appearances ranged from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice to West End productions such as Sister Act and The Rocky Horror Show. In 2016 he delighted audiences with a cameo in the new Dad’s Army film as Brigadier Pritchard, a warm nod to his earlier role.
Ian faced serious health challenges including bladder cancer and a heart attack in 2004, but he continued to work and remained a popular figure with audiences and colleagues alike.
He was married twice, first to actress Suzanne Kerchiss with whom he had two sons, and later to Michele Hardy whom he married in 1993.
Ian Lavender passed away on 2 February 2024 in Stowlangtoft, Suffolk, aged 77. He is remembered with affection for his gentle humour, professionalism and the enduring charm he brought to every performance.
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