It’s just been announced, that Peter Bowles, the well known and loved actor, has died. He was 82 and died of cancer.
He had a varied career, usually playing toff, or smoothy parts, and will probably be best known for playing opposite Penelope Keith in The Manor Born as well as a starring role playing the part of Archie in Only when I laugh. He took on more serious roles of course, such as Guthrie Featherston QC in Rumpole of the Bailey, and the main character in Lytton’s Diary.
I used to enjoy watching him in “only when I laugh” RIP
Peter Bowles has been familiar to me ever since I started watching “adult” television - some of the shows that I remember him in:
Crane, The Avengers, The Saint, The Protectors, Danger Man, Public Eye, Emergency Ward 10, The Informer, The Baron, The Prisoner, Crown Court, Space: 1999, I, Claudius, Rising Damp, Pennies from Heaven, Rumpole of the Bailey, Only When I Laugh and To the Manor Born.
He seemed ever-present, as a supporting actor on TV, throughout the '60’s and '70’s. Thereafter, he secured regular appearances in series, eventually becoming a “star”.
A much under-valued but deeply appreciated actor.
How sad - may angels fly him safely home!
I never liked to the Manor Born, but Peter Bowles, Penelope Keith & Angela Thorn were great actors.
A lot of people are unaware, but Peter was the father of 70’s prog rock legend Brian Pern.
Wasn’t Brian Pern a spoof rock singer in a BBC mockumentary?
Yes & his father was Peter Bowles & his father was killed, so prepare to die.
Edited to add. Sorry wrong film. Ignore the above.
All the best, Inigo Montoya.
That’s inconceivable 
Sad, I liked him in To The Manor Born.
RIP Peter.
