Arthur Mullard, a beloved and enigmatic figure in British comedy, left an indelible mark on the nation's cinematic and television landscape. Born in Islington, North London, he was affectionately known to locals as "The Dook of Islington" due to his unmistakable Cockney accent and charm.
Mullard's early life was marked by a series of unconventional occupations. He left school at the tender age of 14 to work as a butcher's boy, a role that would lay the foundation for his later acting career. At 18, he joined the Army, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become his regiment's boxing champion. After leaving the forces, he briefly pursued a career as a professional boxer before turning his attention to the world of entertainment.
Following World War II, Mullard transitioned into acting, initially working as a stuntman at Pinewood and Ealing Studios, two of the most prestigious film studios in the industry. He then began to land small roles in classic comedy films, before making the transition to television, where he quickly established himself as a talented straight man to a range of esteemed comedians, including Frankie Howerd, Spike Milligan, Tony Hancock, Tommy Cooper, and Arthur Askey.
Mullard's breakout role came in 1962, when he starred alongside Barbara Windsor in the critically acclaimed film "Sparrows Can't Sing". His performance was met with widespread acclaim, and he went on to achieve stardom on television with the popular series "Romany Jones" in 1973. In this show, he played Wally Briggs, a lovable rogue who lived in a caravan with his partner Lily, played by Queenie Watts. The series was a massive hit, attracting over 8 million viewers per episode.
Mullard's success on "Romany Jones" was followed by the equally popular "Yus, My Dear" in 1976, which cemented his status as a household name. He went on to appear as a guest star on numerous other TV shows, earning the reputation as a reliable and versatile performer. In his own words, he once joked that TV bosses would often turn to him in times of creative crisis, saying "Let's put Arfur on, but not too much or he'll steal the bleedin' show!"
