Wilfrid Brambell was born on March 22, 1912, in Dublin, Ireland. His acting career began at a very young age, entertaining wounded soldiers returning from action during the First World War when he was just two years old. After leaving school, he worked part-time as a reporter for The Irish Times and part-time as an actor at the Abbey Theatre.
During World War II, he joined the British military forces entertainment organisation ENSA. Following his return, he began performing with various repertory companies across the UK in Swansea, Bristol, and Chesterfield. It was also during this time that he started breaking into films.
Wilfrid's television career began in the 1950s, when he was cast in small roles in BBC Television productions such as "The Quatermass Experiment", "Nineteen Eighty-Four", and "Quatermass II". These roles earned him a reputation for playing old men, although he was only in his forties at the time.
Wilfrid was just 49 years old when he first played Albert Steptoe. The role immediately launched him to fame and notoriety, making him a national figure. His film work continued with a role in the 1962 Walt Disney film "In Search of the Castaways" and playing Paul McCartney's grandfather in The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night".
"Steptoe and Son" concluded in 1974 after eight series and two hit spin-off films. Wilfrid and his co-star Harry H. Corbett continued to revive the characters for special one-off performances and events, including a 1977 tour of Australia. He continued to take small roles in various television series and films during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Sadly, Wilfrid lost his battle against cancer on January 18, 1985.
