Fans and stars from the world of entertainment are playing tribute to the beloved actor Bernard Cribbins, who has died at the age of 93 years old.
The Doctor Who actor’s death was announced this morning, with many sharing their memories of the star who delighted generations of viewers.
Bernard, who became a children’s TV icon on series including Jackanory, The Wombles and Old Jack’s Boat, also appeared in dozens of classic films too including the Carry Ons and the original Railway Children.
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Along with becoming a fan favourite on Doctor Who, Bernard was undoubtedly one of the greatest actors of all time.
To pay tribute to Bernard Cribbins, Daily Star takes a look back at the actor’s life and career.
TV icon
(Image: BBC)
Acting was in Bernard’s blood from a young age, with the star leaving school at the age of 13 years old to pursue acting roles in the theatre.
After completing his National Service in 1947, he returned to acting and landed his first West End role nearly a decade later in 1956, where he performed in the Shakespeare production, A Comedy Of Errors.
Bernard later became an icon of both stage and screen, particularly for his performances in films such as Carry On Spying, and children’s classic The Railway children – as well as a number of legendary TV shows.
(Image: Internet Unknown)
He is most fondly remembered for narrating iconic shows such as The Wombles, as well as being one of the primary storytellers in Jackanory.
A new generation were also introduced to the magic of Bernard Cribbins in the children’s TV series Old Jack’s Boat.
In 2009, Catherine Tate also presented Bernard Cribbins with a special award from the British Academy Children’s Awards, for his contribution to children’s programming.
(Image: Granada Television)
That’s not all, as Bernard also appeared in Fawlty Towers, Midsomer Murders and as Wally Bannister in 11 episodes of ITV soap Coronation Street in 2013.
He also had two top 10 hits in 1962, including Hole In The Ground and Right Said Fred.
However, Bernard also became a huge star in another TV franchise – Doctor Who – making two separate appearances over 50 years apart.
Doctor Who
(Image: BBC)
Bernard was not only a children’s TV icon, but he is also just as famous for his roles in the popular sci-fi programme Doctor Who.
However, before starring opposite David Tennant’s tenth doctor between 2007-2010, the actor appeared in the film Doctor Who: Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150AD as Tom Campbell, opposite Peter Cushing as the doctor.
He later returned to the franchise as Wilf, the grandfather of Catherine Tate’s character Donna Noble, becoming a fan favourite amongst viewers.
(Image: PA)
It was also recently reported by the Radio Times that Bernard Cribbins had been spotted filming scenes for the Doctor Who 60th anniversary episodes alongside David Tennant and Catherine Tate, which is due to be broadcast in 2023, after footage of them filming was shared by fans on social media.
Following Bernard’s death, journalist Aaron Potter spoke to the the BBC about his legacy as Wilf in Doctor Who, saying: “[Cribbins was] a British acting legend in his own right, sure, but he always brought a charm, heart, and soul to modern Doctor Who as Wilf, lighting up the screen whenever he showed up.
“Watching him reappear during the 60th will come with a tinge of melancholy now.”
Health battles
(Image: PA)
Away from the screen, Bernard had a number of health battles throughout the years.
These included being diagnosed with prostrate cancer and and undergoing a triple heart bypass, with Bernard telling the MailOnline: “I had a triple bypass in 1998 and it saved my life.
“Those surgeons are truly amazing.”
Bernard also revealed in 2017 that he had to undergo spinal surgery, which was a result of a fall he had when completing his National Service in 1947.
Speaking to The Express about his health, he said: “It’s just one of those things.
“Let me see what else I have had: prostate cancer, yes [a successful course of radiotherapy ensued]; triple heart bypass [in 1997], yes.”
In a more recent interview with the Express earlier in July 2022, the actor also reflected on his life and health battles, saying: “It’s part of the contract. You’re born, you get there, and you stop. I don’t think about it.
“No point, have a laugh.”
Family life and heartbreaking loss
(Image: Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
Bernard Cribbins was married to his wife Gillian Cribbins from 1955.
The couple were married for over 66 years, but did not have any children together.
Gillian was also by his side when he was awarded the Order Of The British Empire (OBE) in 2011, for services to drama.
However in 2021, Gillian died, with Bernard asking his friend and writer of his autobiography Bernard Who? to release a statement from the actor following her death.
Writer James Hogg said in a Twitter statement: “Bernard Cribbins has asked me to announce that his wife Gillian passed away earlier today.
(Image: Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)
“They were married in 1955 and were devoted to each other.”
He added: “When chatting about their wedding day for his autobiography he talked for hours and didn’t want the conversation to end. So sad.”
Following Bernard Cribbins’ death today, friend and Doctor Who frontrunner Russell T.Davies paid a sweet tribute to the actor, in which he also shared the star’s love for his late wife.
Russell captioned the post: “He loved Gill with all his heart; he mentioned her in every conversation we ever had. A love story for the ages. I’m so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”
Sad death
(Image: PA)
It was announced that Bernard Cribbins had died today (July 28, 2022) at the age of 93 years old.
His death was announced by Cribbins’ agent, Gavin Barker Associates, who said in a statement: “Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93.
“His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like ‘The Railway Children’ and the ‘Carry On’ series, hit 60’s song ‘Right Said Fred’, a notorious guest on ‘Fawlty Towers’ and narrating ‘The Wombles’.
“He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat. He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.
“Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”
(Image: PA)
His death has left fans and stars from the world of entertainment devastated, with many paying tribute to the beloved actor on social media.
Doctor Who frontrunner Russell T. Davies shared a photograph of the actor on Instagram, captioning the post: “Bernard Cribbins (1928-2022) I love this man. I love him.”
He continued: “And what an actor. Oh, really though, what a wonderful actor. We once took him to the TV Choice Awards and sent him up on his own to collect the award, and the entire room stood up and cheered him. That’s a lovely memory. He’d phone up and say, ‘I’ve got an idea! What if I attack a Dalek with a paintball gun?!’ Okay, Bernard, in it went!”
BBC news presenter Lizo Mzimba also tweeted: “From the Wombles to Wilf in Doctor Who he entertained generation after generation.
“A genuine national treasure #RIPBernardCribbins.”
Comedian Kathy Burke also paid tribute, saying on social media: “Simply wonderful Bernard Cribbins RIP.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
