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| Jack Douglas | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Roberton 26 April 1927 Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 18 December 2008 (aged 81) Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Actor |
Jack Douglas, born John Roberton (26 April 1927 – 18 December 2008)[1] was an English actor most famous for his roles in the Carry On films.
Career
Douglas was born in Newcastle upon Tyne into a theatrical family; his father was a theatre producer and his brother, Bill Roberton, became a theatre director.[2] His mother was so keen that he be a Geordie that, according to Douglas, although they had settled in London,
"she jumped on a train and came to Newcastle. I was born in my grandfather’s house near the Swing Bridge. She did the same with my brother."[3]
He grew up on a farm in Meriden.[4]
He worked with Des O'Connor for several years and in the theatre, developing a nervous character "Alf Ippititimus", notable for his "phwaay!" catchphrase and his apparent muscular tics. "Alf" was created one night at Butlin's, Clacton when Douglas's co-star, Joe Baker failed to appear having been locked out of the theatre, and Douglas began to improvise based on a band leader he knew.[5]
He then appeared in the last seven Carry On films of the original series, Carry On Matron, Carry On Abroad, Carry On Girls, Carry On Dick, Carry On Behind, Carry On England, and Carry On Emmannuelle. His Carry On roles progressed from a cameo with one line of dialogue in Matron to a slightly larger but still conspicuous cameo appearance in Abroad, after which he appeared in increasingly larger supporting roles, and ultimately a leading role in Emmanuelle. During this period he also appeared in the Carry on Christmas specials in 1972, and 1973, and the Carry On Laughing television series. He appeared in the revival film Carry On Columbus (1992).
He also guest starred in The Goodies episode "Goodies in the Nick" and appeared in The Shillingbury Blowers and its associated series Shillingbury Tales in the early 1980s.
On 26 April 2007, Douglas celebrated his 80th birthday. There was a special celebration arranged at Pinewood Studios, to coincide with his anniversary, which was attended by his family and friends. These included actors that Douglas had worked with, amongst them were Fenella Fielding, Jacki Piper, Lance Percival and Valerie Leon.
Jack Douglas died of pneumonia on 18 December 2008.[6]
References
- ^ "Carry On star Jack Douglas dies". BBC News (BBC). 2008-12-18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7789813.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ Burton, Paul (2008-12-18). "Jack Douglas: 1927–2008". Borehamwood & Elstree Times (Newsquest Media Group). http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/blog/paulburton/3988783.Jack_Douglas__1927___2008/. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ Hutchinson, Lisa (19 December 2008). "Farewell to a Geordie-born Carry On favourite". Evening Chronicle. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2008/12/19/farewell-to-a-geordie-born-carry-on-favourite-72703-22512534/. Retrieved 2001-01-14.
- ^ Carry On Dick Special Edition DVD – Jack Douglas, Audio Commentary, 2003-02-12, Carlton Television
- ^ "Carry On comedy legend Jack Douglas dies". Evening Chronicle, Newcastle. 18th December 2008. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2008/12/18/carry-on-comedy-legend-jack-douglas-dies-72703-22506108/. Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Funnyman Jack Douglas dies aged 81". The Press Association (PA Group). 2008-12-18. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iK7KJi3V6ihKNj06NCmCS2fB3_MQ. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
External links
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