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06 Aug 15
11:31
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21 May 10
Very sad 
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Obviously "Minder" was fantastic but I also liked him in "Root Into Europe" and "Comrade Dad".
eorge Edward Cole, OBE (22 April 1925- 05 August 2015) was an English film and television actor whose career spanned more than 70 years in show business. He played Arthur Daley in the long-running ITV drama show Minder, and Flash Harry in the early St Trinian's films.
Contents
1 Biography
2 Autobiography
3 Television roles
4 Partial filmography
5 References
6 External links
Biography
Cole was given up for adoption at the age of ten days and adopted by the Cole family. He left school to be a butcher's boy but landed a part in a touring musical, and chose acting as a career. He appeared in a film with British stage and film actor Alastair Sim, and Sim and his family took in Cole and his adoptive mother when he was 15. They helped him lose his Cockney accent and he stayed with the Sim family until he was 27.[2]
Cole began appearing in films in the early 1940s, debuting in the 1941 film Cottage to Let. He attributes the success of his career to Alastair Sim, who became his mentor. Cole appeared in a total of 11 films with Sim, starting with Cottage to Let, and ending with the somewhat obscure 1961 independent film The Anatomist.
He also acted opposite Laurence Olivier in The Demi-Paradise (1943) and Olivier's film version of Henry V (1944). He is the last surviving member of the large cast of Henry V. His career was interrupted by his service in the Royal Air Force from 1944 to 1947.
He was well known for his lead role in the 1953-1969 radio comedy A Life of Bliss where from the eighth episode (David Tomlinson played Bliss in the first seven episodes), he played an amiable but bumbling bachelor, David Alexander Bliss, with his dog Psyche, voiced by Percy Edwards.[3] It lasted for six series and just 34 of the 118 episodes made of the radio series now survive. This became a TV series in 1960.
He became familiar to audiences in British comedy films in the 1950s. Cole appeared with Sim in Scrooge (as the young Scrooge) in 1951, but his best known film role was as "Flash Harry" in the St Trinian's films (two of which also star Sim), and in the comedy Too Many Crooks (1959). He also starred in the 1973 film Take Me High alongside Cliff Richard and Deborah Watling.
His most memorable television role was as crooked used-car dealer Arthur Daley in the Thames Television series Minder which he played from 1979 to the show's conclusion in 1994. Prior to this, he had played a struggling writer in the BBC sitcom 'Don't Forget To Write!' (1977-79). Another memorable role was that of Sir Giles Lynchwood in the BBC's 1985 adaptation of the Tom Sharpe novel Blott on the Landscape, which also starred Geraldine James. David Suchet, Julia McKenzie and Simon Cadell.
George has recently been cast in a new crime-horror film called Road Rage, in the role of Cyril, which will be released in cinemas in 2015.
George passed away on the 5th August 2015 in hospital, with his family by his side.
Autobiography
Cole released his autobiography, The World Was My Lobster, in 2013.
Television roles
Doctor Syn, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, was produced as a three-part television film in colour by Walt Disney in 1963, a miniseries before the term was ever coined. It was shot on location in England and was directed by James Neilson. It starred Patrick McGoohan of Danger Man/Secret Agent and The Prisoner fame in the title role, with George Cole as Mipps. A Man Of Our Time (1968) (TV series - Rediffusion London) Minder (1979 on) (TV series - Thames/Euston Films).
Cole appeared as a guest star in the Gerry Anderson produced UFO series. In the episode Flightpath, Cole plays Paul Roper, a blackmailed SHADO operative, who opens the door for a possible alien attack on Moonbase. Roper redeems himself by destroying the aliens but ultimately sacrifices himself in the process. He also made a guest appearance as Mr Downs, Tom Good's bank manager, in a special edition of the BBC sitcom The Good Life in 1978, filmed in front of Her Majesty The Queen.
Quite a career
RIP
Contents
1 Biography
2 Autobiography
3 Television roles
4 Partial filmography
5 References
6 External links
Biography
Cole was given up for adoption at the age of ten days and adopted by the Cole family. He left school to be a butcher's boy but landed a part in a touring musical, and chose acting as a career. He appeared in a film with British stage and film actor Alastair Sim, and Sim and his family took in Cole and his adoptive mother when he was 15. They helped him lose his Cockney accent and he stayed with the Sim family until he was 27.[2]
Cole began appearing in films in the early 1940s, debuting in the 1941 film Cottage to Let. He attributes the success of his career to Alastair Sim, who became his mentor. Cole appeared in a total of 11 films with Sim, starting with Cottage to Let, and ending with the somewhat obscure 1961 independent film The Anatomist.
He also acted opposite Laurence Olivier in The Demi-Paradise (1943) and Olivier's film version of Henry V (1944). He is the last surviving member of the large cast of Henry V. His career was interrupted by his service in the Royal Air Force from 1944 to 1947.
He was well known for his lead role in the 1953-1969 radio comedy A Life of Bliss where from the eighth episode (David Tomlinson played Bliss in the first seven episodes), he played an amiable but bumbling bachelor, David Alexander Bliss, with his dog Psyche, voiced by Percy Edwards.[3] It lasted for six series and just 34 of the 118 episodes made of the radio series now survive. This became a TV series in 1960.
He became familiar to audiences in British comedy films in the 1950s. Cole appeared with Sim in Scrooge (as the young Scrooge) in 1951, but his best known film role was as "Flash Harry" in the St Trinian's films (two of which also star Sim), and in the comedy Too Many Crooks (1959). He also starred in the 1973 film Take Me High alongside Cliff Richard and Deborah Watling.
His most memorable television role was as crooked used-car dealer Arthur Daley in the Thames Television series Minder which he played from 1979 to the show's conclusion in 1994. Prior to this, he had played a struggling writer in the BBC sitcom 'Don't Forget To Write!' (1977-79). Another memorable role was that of Sir Giles Lynchwood in the BBC's 1985 adaptation of the Tom Sharpe novel Blott on the Landscape, which also starred Geraldine James. David Suchet, Julia McKenzie and Simon Cadell.
George has recently been cast in a new crime-horror film called Road Rage, in the role of Cyril, which will be released in cinemas in 2015.
George passed away on the 5th August 2015 in hospital, with his family by his side.
Autobiography
Cole released his autobiography, The World Was My Lobster, in 2013.
Television roles
Doctor Syn, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, was produced as a three-part television film in colour by Walt Disney in 1963, a miniseries before the term was ever coined. It was shot on location in England and was directed by James Neilson. It starred Patrick McGoohan of Danger Man/Secret Agent and The Prisoner fame in the title role, with George Cole as Mipps. A Man Of Our Time (1968) (TV series - Rediffusion London) Minder (1979 on) (TV series - Thames/Euston Films).
Cole appeared as a guest star in the Gerry Anderson produced UFO series. In the episode Flightpath, Cole plays Paul Roper, a blackmailed SHADO operative, who opens the door for a possible alien attack on Moonbase. Roper redeems himself by destroying the aliens but ultimately sacrifices himself in the process. He also made a guest appearance as Mr Downs, Tom Good's bank manager, in a special edition of the BBC sitcom The Good Life in 1978, filmed in front of Her Majesty The Queen.
Quite a career
RIP
Minder was "The George Cole" show for me. He absolutely nailed it. Not so sad, he had a good innings and hopefully they'll show a few classic episodes of MInder as a tribute.
George Cole totally upstaged Dennis Waterman and made the show his own.
The show was titled "Minder", DW was billed first and was just out of "The Sweeney" and he sang the theme tune but it wasn't long before it was clear who the star was.
The show was titled "Minder", DW was billed first and was just out of "The Sweeney" and he sang the theme tune but it wasn't long before it was clear who the star was.
90 is a good age. Flash Harry of St Trinians was a great part.
yep minder was meant to be a vehicle for waterman post sweeney but no doubt whose show it was
The episode where Arthur is called for jury service is starting on ITV4 now.
Watched him in so many things over the years. A great actor. One of the best.
i_agree_with_nick 06 Aug 15 13:04 Joined: 21 May 10 | Topic/replies: 7,264 | Blogger: i_agree_with_nick's blog
The episode where Arthur is called for jury service is starting on ITV4 now.
That episode is my all time favourite. The scene where the jury are sitting around the table trying to come to a decision is hilarious
When I think of it I always think of Minder as my fav all time show but its probably more of a case of a very good actor making a really good programme great.
Sad news. I could watch him in Minder just to see some of his reactions to events and his responses.
The 'Minder' programme spawned a number of hit singles as I recall, almost all completely atrocious.
There was Waterman's tedious theme song, the godawful "What Are We Gonna Get For Her Indoors", and this one called "Arthur Daley - He's Alright" from THE FIRM in 1982. Were there any more?
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UCoul5SRzA
There was Waterman's tedious theme song, the godawful "What Are We Gonna Get For Her Indoors", and this one called "Arthur Daley - He's Alright" from THE FIRM in 1982. Were there any more?
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UCoul5SRzA
I've been watching Don't Forget to Write starring George Cole.
Such dreadfully sad news, Arthur Cole you truly were a legend and may your soul be at peace now. Rest in peace Sir.
George Cole played a very good 'straight' role in The Sweeney episode called 'Tomorrow Man' (alongside the young John Hurt). A very good watch.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iLeA9pB_Jc
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iLeA9pB_Jc
Yeah, that's a good one - computer expert at the dawn of the computer age!
george cole nailed it ! played the part to a t ,the shifty mannerisms ...........just looked the part the trilby the camel hair coat the car lot the term would you buy a used car from this man..............made for Arthur !rip legend !
Dennis Waterman was just on the radio. He said, "his [George Cole's] favourite place was sitting at home with a bottle of whisky watching the racing".
He also said that they had a director on "Minder" who never said 'cut' at the end of a written scene, so he and GC would carry on and improvise and that they kept many of those scenes in.
He also said that they had a director on "Minder" who never said 'cut' at the end of a written scene, so he and GC would carry on and improvise and that they kept many of those scenes in.
The brilliance of Minder was down to the quality of actors used. George Cole was already a household name, Patrick Malahide ...Charlie Chisholm was classically trained whilst a few of the guest stars already were known,Beryl Reid for example, or up and coming like Pete Postlethwaite.
Credit also goes to the writers, ims it was Des the mechanic who did the majority, but it was Cole who upstaged everyone, though at times being second best to notable characters like Nigel his NF supporting nephew, Self Inflicted and the simply brilliant..The Syrup.
Not only does his death remind us of his qualities, but also of the quality of the programmes from that era and before. Unlike nowadays, where no talent whatsoever is of upmost importance....RIP.
Credit also goes to the writers, ims it was Des the mechanic who did the majority, but it was Cole who upstaged everyone, though at times being second best to notable characters like Nigel his NF supporting nephew, Self Inflicted and the simply brilliant..The Syrup.
Not only does his death remind us of his qualities, but also of the quality of the programmes from that era and before. Unlike nowadays, where no talent whatsoever is of upmost importance....RIP.
Sad news. He played Arfur Daley to perfection. Minder was a show that always put a smile on my face.
You could watch Minder all day and never be sick of it.
You could watch Minder all day and never be sick of it.
Minder is almost up there with Only fools n horses.
rip
rip
A word of warning gentlemen. Watching "Minder' and other telly programmes involving C*ckney characters can sometimes lead to serious health problems.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0NM5GFL-QU
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0NM5GFL-QU
Alright my son, Leave it out
As it 'appens its your shout
Straight up, Pull the other
In a right 2 and 8
What's the damage Chief?
Who's your mate?
The geezer with the bunny in the trilby 'at
Reckons he's legit but he ain't all that
Arthur Daley, little dodgy maybe, but underneath,
'E's alright.
As it 'appens its your shout
Straight up, Pull the other
In a right 2 and 8
What's the damage Chief?
Who's your mate?
The geezer with the bunny in the trilby 'at
Reckons he's legit but he ain't all that
Arthur Daley, little dodgy maybe, but underneath,
'E's alright.
Well said Twonky.
Most weeks I sit down & watch two or three episodes of minder & have done for a while, George Cole's brilliance best shone through when DW left, those episodes were never as good but still a great watch because of the maestro.
Most weeks I sit down & watch two or three episodes of minder & have done for a while, George Cole's brilliance best shone through when DW left, those episodes were never as good but still a great watch because of the maestro.
very sad news, gonna raise a glass to the great man,and watch "minder"and see arfur in action once more,
R.I.P .George
R.I.P .George
on itv4 in the mornings and repeated in the afternoons ! seen em all many times over but still watch em now timeless !
R.I.P George. Such a class actor. Arthur Daley one of the great tv character's. He played him to perfection.
I used to work in those offices Neville came out from. (Near Putney Bridge Station.)
those arches dessies garage are in bermondsey where I grew up as a nipper
You all thought that Arthur Daley was just a mere comic character, an amusing shameless old rogue with an excruciating knack for a dodgy deal and memorable turn of phrase. Right?
Wrong. I have it on good authority, well, erm, erm, "The Guardian" actually (no, please don't t!tter Mrs) that Daley "to Lefties, hilariously exposes the shameless villainy of the Thatcherite entrepreneur; to Tories, he’s a hero of sorts, cheekily giving two fingers to the taxman".
At least the author (I won't name and shame here) of the piece managed to get through it without squeezing in some sort of ridiculous claim that "Daley captured the zeitgeist of the post-Unions 80s aspirational culture…".
Wrong. I have it on good authority, well, erm, erm, "The Guardian" actually (no, please don't t!tter Mrs) that Daley "to Lefties, hilariously exposes the shameless villainy of the Thatcherite entrepreneur; to Tories, he’s a hero of sorts, cheekily giving two fingers to the taxman".
At least the author (I won't name and shame here) of the piece managed to get through it without squeezing in some sort of ridiculous claim that "Daley captured the zeitgeist of the post-Unions 80s aspirational culture…".
“The Syrup - a character known to the police; a man is wandering around impersonating Roger Moore; sundry Indians book into hotels. What is the common denominator? All roads lead to Daley ...”
Been watching some of the Minder repeats on ITV4 recently, forgot how good they were, Cole & Waterman work so well together, but also some brilliant supporting roles playing the dodgy geezers, without doubt Minder was quality TV, great entertainment. But the chemistry between Cole & Waterman really made it.
Ian McNeice plays the wide boy promoter today.
A few scuff marks on a very improbable window ledge
Love charlie Chisholm
Love charlie Chisholm
It was the great man's funeral today.
Plod was well represented - Chisholm paid his respects
RIP old son
Plod was well represented - Chisholm paid his respects
RIP old son
didn't arfur have a lock up at some time with boatload of coffins ? or have i just made that up.
MM. Monty Wiseman, a dodgy travel agent, pays Terry to collect a coffin from the airport and store it at Arthur's lock-up. It soon becomes clear that something very fishy is going on.
... found that on the internet, i remember watching it now. like many of them i find them better second time around.
... found that on the internet, i remember watching it now. like many of them i find them better second time around.
One of the best on itv4 today...................sorry pal wrong number
Watch them on catchup, no adverts just 47 minutes of brilliant TV
Watch them on catchup, no adverts just 47 minutes of brilliant TV
But you might need a no-win-no-fee lawyer
"You may call this Acton Green. I call it Providence."
"You may call this Acton Green. I call it Providence."
think monty wiseman was played by harry fowler, and a lot of the early"MINDERS" were filmed in maida vale where I grow up
TERRY, you are right it was harry fowler .. deceased 2012.
Great man - remember listening to him on the car radio driving to Leamington Spa. A Life Of Bliss - with Psyche the dog. Percy Edwards, of course. How is Perce these days? Must be around his 108th birthday. Happy days.
One of the very best Minder's on ITV 4 now.
Or starts at 7pm again on ITV 4 plus one.
Wally West, Chisolm and Jimmy Nail as the pikey.
Or starts at 7pm again on ITV 4 plus one.
Wally West, Chisolm and Jimmy Nail as the pikey.
That was another good one today I thought, even with Charlie Slater from Eastenders as a rivals minder!!!!
Peter Dean (Pete Beale) appears in an early episode. A character called "Harry the Horse" iirc.
June Brown and Steve McFadden also make cameo appearances.
Gillian Taylforth and her sister made a very brief appearance in a recently aired episode. They played "Girls in pub".
Gillian Taylforth and her sister made a very brief appearance in a recently aired episode. They played "Girls in pub".
A real gem just about to start now including Dels Dad and Grandad from Only Fools
Im pretty sure a briefly topless young Sheerie Hewson was in one of the early eposides as an old girlfriend of Terry.
the one the other day had the guy who plays Bishop (Len) Brennan in Father Ted - he was one of the stable lads when Tel was looking after a racehorse
I loved Minder back in the day - I love the names of the Jewish, Greek and Asian characters - they started repeating from series 1 on ITV4 about 2 weeks ago - I think we are now up series 2 episode 2 or 3
I loved Minder back in the day - I love the names of the Jewish, Greek and Asian characters - they started repeating from series 1 on ITV4 about 2 weeks ago - I think we are now up series 2 episode 2 or 3
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