BBC Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum star John Clegg dies aged 90 as tributes flood in for iconic actor

John Clegg has died aged 90

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 20/08/2024

- 13:46

Updated: 20/08/2024

- 15:06

The actor was a familiar face on the British sitcom scene in the 1970s and '80s

John Clegg has died at the age of 90, it was announced today.

In an announcement shared with the Telegraph, it was confirmed that Clegg "died peacefully in care".

The actor appeared in the beloved comedy Dad's Army back in 1972 opposite the likes Clive Dunn, John Le Mesurier and Arthur Lowe.

His most memorable role, however, was undoubtedly his portrayal of Gunner 'Paderewski' Graham in the BBC sitcom It Ain't Half Hot Mum.

Announcing his death, a statement posted on the Telegraph announcement page reads: "Clegg, John Walter Laurence died peacefully in care aged 90.

"Husband of the late Mavis and brother of Anne and Mary, both deceased.

"An actor all his working life, he will be missed by all his friends from the theatre, his friends in Chichester and his family.

"Private funeral on August 29th, St Peter's Westhampnett. No flowers please but donations, if wished, to St Peter's Church Reordering Project - see church website."

Inevitably, it hasn't taken long for tributes from far and wide to flood in for the British comedy actor.

The British Comedy Society posted on X: "We're saddened to learn of the death of actor John Clegg, best known as It Ain't Half Hot Mum's Padrewski, Gunner Graham. He was 90."

Meanwhile, author Morris Bright MBE echoed: "We is very sorry indeed to hear that La Di Da Gunner Graham, actor John Clegg, has gone to that great concert party in the sky, aged 90. He certainly was one of the boys who entertained us. #itainthalfhotmum #lovelyboy #shutup."

"Sad news. I still watch It Ain't Half Hot Mum. I managed to meet John while he was in panto a few years ago," one fan shared.

Another echoed: "Sorry to see that, as you get older you realise how important the ensemble are in the success of shows , like needing all the pieces to complete a jigsaw. RIP."

And a third fan penned: "RIP to lah-do-dah Gunner Graham, the actor John Clegg. A good innings from an actor who was always a strong and stable presence on screen. #ItAintHalfHotMum."

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John Clegg

John Clegg in the BBC comedy Dad's Army

BBC

Elsewhere, a fourth tribute from a fan read: "Desperately saddened to read that actor John Clegg, probably best known as La Di Da Gunner Graham from It Ain't Half Hot Mum, has died aged 90. A life well lived and a joyous presence on our screens."

While Clegg's biggest roles came in the 1970s and '80s, he remained working on-screen up until 2006, according to IMDb.

In fact, fans of the Bridget Jones franchise may remember his cameo in the first movie opposite Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger.

Elsewhere, his CV boasts credits in Mr Bean, Coogan's Run, The Nineteenth Hole, Demob, Are You Being Served?, and Bless This House.

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