The actors addicted to Summer Wine

W

wstol

Dedicated Member
There was something that some of the Last of the Summer Wine actors found addictive about working on the show.
We've recently discussed how Michael Aldridge loved the show, and really didn't want to leave.
Bill Owen is the most obvious example, he wanted to carry on forever.
Peter Sallis only got it towards the end of his life, when he was determined to appear in every TV show, in a cameo, and even wanted to be buried next to Bill Owen near the Holmfirth area.
Frank Thornton, also accepted cameo parts just to remain in the show.
Thora Hird and Danny O'Dea stayed as long as they possibly could.
Kathy Staff left - but came back, she missed the show.
Robert Ffye, at a grand age, remained in the show to the end - he had a major part in the final series.
Mike Grady missed about five years - but came back, for good.
Brian Wilde - despite his unhappiness about various aspects of the show - did two long stints on the show.
Jane Freeman appeared in every series - even though she strangely missed the very last episode, which I'm sure could have been cleverly edited in some way.
Michael Bates - he became very ill. He could just about manage to continue the less demanding work in It Ain't Half Hot Mum, but had to draw the line at the sometimes gruelling work of LOTSW. Both shows meant the world to him. It is said he had tears in his eyes when he watched his character written out as he watched it on TV.
Gordon Wharmby - never considered himself to be a 'proper actor' - he considered himself to be a painter and decorator primarily - overcame his stage fright when suddenly given to task to work opposite the prolific actress Thora Hird. He also worked on the show as long as he could.
Sarah Thoma, Jean Fergusson - so, so loyal to the show for many years.
Juliette Kaplan - the same, but went even further with her internet articles.
Tom Owen. following in his father's footsteps.
Jean Alexander, Stephen Lewis, Brian Murphy, Burt Kwouk, Keith Clifford - making one-off appearances last as long as they could.
John Comer - so believable and natural - working on the show whilst very ill and unable to speak.
Joe Gladwin, so brilliant, again working as long as he could.
Russ Abbot, Jo Tewson, June Whitfield, Dora Bryan, Barbara Young for keeping everything going.
Jonathan Linsley - sacked, basically for losing weight. Could have been written into the series, in a humorous way in fact. Despite this treatment, remains INCREDIBLY loyal to the show to this day - and is one, if not THE, greatest ambassadors of the show we have today.
 
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I was disappointed in reading Peter Sallis' autobiography which gave the impression that LotSW was not something he really valued compared to more highbrow stuff. It's a shame because he played Clegg so well and perhaps didn't realise what the show meant to viewers. I was once quite sniffy about SW thinking a gentle comedy meant fairly boring and just amusing occasionslly, but grew to love it during lockdowns when we looked for something not Covid related to watch. Now we have the DVD boxset and I'd watch it every year if living on my own.
 
Although we love the show, I think there is a degree of pragmatism to the loyalty too. The acting profession is extremely precarious and actors generally spend more time 'resting' than they do working. Also add into this that most were just jobbing rather than leading actors they were probably just grateful for the work and regular income. They had a couple of months regular work almost guaranteed each year and had the rest of the year free for other work. I know when I've spoken with a few actors they say it's increasingly difficult to find work the older you get.

I think there are many above who genuinely had affection for the show, but others like Mike Grady who just saw it as a job and very rarely seems to want to even acknowledge it. Which I find a little bit ungracious as other than LOTSW he's not done much else of significant note.....
 
Yes I think Mike Grady has pretty muched washed his hands of it all together which is a shame, Peter said he earned more money doing Wallace than he ever did doing Summer Wine and if you read Kethy Staffs autobiography she barely mentions it favouring Crossroads so I never like to delve to deep into the actors motives, I prefer to think more of their characters.
 
Pearl said:
Yes I think Mike Grady has pretty muched washed his hands of it all together which is a shame, Peter said he earned more money doing Wallace than he ever did doing Summer Wine and if you read Kethy Staffs autobiography she barely mentions it favouring Crossroads so I never like to delve to deep into the actors motives, I prefer to think more of their characters.
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Thanks Pearl, there's some really interesting information there I didn't know! I do know that Peter Sallis did the first ever Wallace & Grommit as a favour for a young student for about £50 fee. I'm sure no one had any idea at that time that is would become so big, so I think it's a fair reward he eventually earned what was probably a six figure sum for his later narration.

I do single out Jean Alexander & Dame Thora who were in a different league with their acting ability and they could have easily taken other work over LOTSW but they seem to love it and I felt they were extremely loyal.
 
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