Film, TV and the Arts

Film, TV and the Arts

Tuesday 23 August 2011

John Howard Davies Dead at 72


Very sad news for all lovers of great BBC Comedy. John Howard Davies, one of the great men of television, has died at the age of 72.

Having been a child actor, playing Oliver Twist in the David Lean film adaptation, Davies ended up at the BBC, serving as head of Comedy between 1977 and 1982, and has credits on many historic shows.


His career was great and important, working on such shows as Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Goodies, Steptoe and Son, The Good Life, Fawlty Towers, Not the Nine O’Clock News, Yes, Minister, Allo, Allo! and Only Fools and Horses.

Davies’ career spanned the generations and his confidence in the shows he supported was not just admirable but one of the main reasons for his success, and the deserved success of others. For instance, he stood by Not the Nine O’Clock News despite shaky beginnings.
His choices showed exquisite taste and he helped to launch many careers. He is held in great affection by his colleagues and those who were aware of his great body of work and will be sorely missed.

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