Date of Birth

5 April 1912, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England, UK

Date of Death

15 November 1983, Ramsgate, Kent, England, UK

Birth Name

John Elton Le Mesurier Halliley

The son of a solicitor, British character actor John Le Mesurier attended public school in Dorset, England, before embarking on a career in law. However, acting was his true calling, and at age 20, with his parents' approval, he began his acting career by studying drama at the Fay Compton School of Acting, where one of his classmates was Alec Guinness. After acting school he performed in repertory until World War II, when he served as a captain in the Northwest Indian Frontier. After the war he returned to the stage and made his film debut in Death in the Hand (1948). By the late 1950s Le Mesurier had made appearances in numerous films, especially those made by the Boulting Brothers, and also on television, particularly on "Hancock's Half Hour" (1956). In 1968 he landed arguably his most popular role, that of sgt. Wilson in the long-running television series "Dad's Army" (1968). Although preferring comedy, Le Mesurier also excelled in drama, winning a BAFTA award for Best Actor of the Year in 1971 for his performance in Dennis Potter's "Traitor (1971) (TV)". In 1977, during "Dad's Army", he had become very ill, but he recovered and continued acting until his death six years later.

Two sons with actress Hattie Jacques: Robin Le Mesurier and Kim Le Mesurier.

Asked his wife Joan to place in The Times the following announcement of his death: "John Le Mesurier wishes it to be known that he conked out on November 15th. He sadly misses his family and friends."

Quoted as saying "It's all been rather lovely" before slipping into a final coma.

In her book, "Dear John", Joan Le Mesurier gives her husband's date of death as 16th November 1983.

Separated from his wife Joan Le Mesurier in the mid-1960s when she had an affair with their mutual friend Tony Hancock. John was understanding, and they began living together again after Hancock's death in 1968.

His autobiography "A Jobbing Actor" was released posthumously in 1984.

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