| Jimmy Perry | |
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Born |
9th September 1923 |
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Died |
23rd October 2016 (aged 93) |
Jimmy Perry OBE (born 9th September 1923 in Barnes, London – 23rd October 2016) was an English writer, scriptwriter, producer, author and actor, most famous for devising and co-writing the BBC sitcom Dad's Army with David Croft.
Biography
Perry is credited with the original idea for Dad's Army, which was based on his experiences in the Home Guard during World War II. He also collaborated with Croft on It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi! & You Rang, M'Lord?
Many of the sitcoms Perry co-wrote with Croft drew heavily on his personal experience: at 16 he joined the Watford Home Guard (Dad's Army).
Dad's Army character, mummy's boy Private Pike, was based upon teenage Jimmy Perry, who said, "She didn't go so far as making me wear a scarf, but she came pretty near".
Jimmy Perry as Charlie Cheeseman
In the sixth episode of the first series of Dad's Army, Shooting Pains, Perry makes a cameo appearance as the entertainer Charlie Cheeseman.
Although best known for his comedy writing, Perry has also experienced musical success, composing the signature tunes to all of the above comedy series. The most well-known of these, the theme tune for Dad's Army, "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?", won the Ivor Novello Award in 1971 for Best TV Signature Tune.
Perry died on 23 October 2016 after a short illness, aged 93. He was survived by his partner, the costume designer Mary Husband.
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