At the age of 90, actor Frank Williams passed away. He was best remembered for his role as Timothy Farthing in Dad’s Army.
The star’s death was announced in a statement on his dedicated Facebook page, which read: ‘So sorry to say that our beloved friend, colleague and actor, Frank Williams, passed away this morning.
‘He was almost 91, and we are grateful for all the years of joy, laughter and happiness he brought to so many. Thank you Frank! x’
Frank, who died just six days short of his 91st birthday on 2 July, appeared in similar roles to Reverend Timothy Farthing in the BBC television sitcom, as members of the clergy in You Rang, M’Lord? Hi-de-Hi!, What’s Up Nurse, The Worker and Vanity Fair.
He was the only child of William and Alice Williams when he was born in Hampstead Heath, north London, in 1931. He attended Hendon School and Ardingly College before starting his acting career at the Watford Palace Theatre.
Given that the repertory theater was directed by the show’s creator, Jimmy Perry, this was his chance to join one of Britain’s most renowned sitcoms, Dad’s Army.
The “happiest period of his professional life,” as he once put it, was his time in Dad’s Army.
He made his first appearance in season three of the program and went on to perform in more than half of it as well as in the two feature films based on Dad’s Army.
He was the second-to-last surviving cast member among the primary stars of the show; Ian ‘Private Pike’ Lavender, 76, the cast member who is the youngest, is the only one who is still alive.
Timothy Farthing, played by Frank, was the well-intentioned vicar of St. Aldhelm’s Church in Walmington-on-Sea, a made-up coastal town in the south of England. He was sometimes referred to as The Vicar or His Reverence.
Despite obstacles like having to share his church hall with the main character George Mainwaring because Dad’s Army is set during World War Two, Farthing tried to attend to the “spiritual needs of his parishioners.”
The town’s local men formed a military formation known as the Home Guard, under the command of bank manager Mainwaring, and enlisted in the British Army.
He was portrayed as a “spiritual” and “learned” man who looked out for the residents because he wasn’t a member of the Home Guard or the ARP Wardens, who patrolled the streets during blackouts to make sure no light was visible from homes.
However, despite not being a soldier, he frequently found himself with the Walmington-on-Sea platoon. His interest in archery comes in handy when his ability helps save him and his comrades in one episode.
The veteran actor in Dad’s Army, which first aired in 1968 and ended in 1977 after its ninth season, said ‘there was a feeling that season nine would be our last’ after arriving in the rehearsal room.
In an interview ahead of his 90th birthday, which he celebrated at an event in Leicester Square Theatre last July, Frank said: ‘Initially, I thought it was for just one episode but the character became a regular.
‘I ended up appearing in 39 of the 80 TV episodes, the original film, stage show and 14 radio episodes. It’s hard to believe that I’m celebrating that milestone.’
Frank revealed that he had macular degeneration, which affects your sight, describing it as ‘irritating’ but manageable. He was partially sighted and used a stick towards the end of his life.
‘Sadly I can’t read any more so I listen to audiobooks. When it comes to watching TV, I have to sit close to the set but I still ll enjoy seeing the episodes whenever they’re shown.
‘All the characters are funny and appeal to people of all ages, including children. Once, a friend told me that his three-year-old granddaughter liked Dad’s Army more than Postman Pat.’
On the Facebook page announcing Frank’s death, friends, family and fans paid tribute to the Dad’s Army actor.
One wrote: ‘God Bless Frank who together with that great cast and writers brought so many people happiness over many years on Dads Army.
‘Deepest sincere condolences to Franks Family and friends at this time.’
Another said: ‘Sad sad news indeed. A genuinely lovely man. Rest now Vicar.’
One added: ‘I’m so sorry to hear that. Frank will be sorely missed. RIP Vicar. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Another fine person to join the Dads army in the sky.’
Frank was also in an advert for Guinness, where he gains the power to walk through walls after drinking the Irish beverage.