Iconic ‘Dad’s Army’ actor Frank Williams dies, age 90

Iconic UK actor and Dad’s Army star Frank Williams has passed away, just days short of his 91st birthday.

Friends of the actor took to Williams’ official Facebook page to announce the sad news of his passing, sharing a touching photo of Williams holding tribute cards in honour of his role as Reverend Timothy Farthing in the famed UK television series, Dad’s Army.

“So sorry to say that our beloved friend, colleague and actor, Frank Williams, passed away this morning,” the caption read.

“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.”

Chairman of Elstree Studios, Morris Bright, took to social media to share a sweet tribute to the late actor.

Sadly just one left of these delightful bringers of joy, as we say goodbye to Dad’s Army star actor Frank Williams who has died aged 90. Here with Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee & Clive Dunn at a plaque unveiling to co star John le Mesurier in 1993. Happy memories of a wonderful day. pic.twitter.com/7OiFYVB28l

— Morris Bright MBE (@MorrisBrightMBE) June 26, 2022

Williams’ played the beloved role of Reverend Timothy Farthing in an impressive 39 of the 80 episodes of Dad’s Army, which ran between 1968 and 1977. The popular sitcom followed the UK’s Home Guard during World War II, regularly gaining an overwhelming 18 million viewers.

The series was well known for its cheeky catchphrases, securing itself the title of Britain’s Best Sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll and ranking 13 out of 100 for the title of one of the Greatest British Television Programmes put together by the British Film Institute in 2002.

In honour of his 90th birthday last year, 2021, Williams spoke of his time on the series, admitting he was originally set to appear in just one episode of Dad’s Army before describing the experience as one of the “happiest period of his professional life”, according to Leading Britain’s Conversation.

“Initially, I thought it was for just one episode but the character became a regular,” Williams revealed in the interview.

“I ended up appearing in 39 out 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.”

Following Williams’ death, Ian Lavender, the now 77-year-old who played Private Pike, is now the only surviving cast member from Dad’s Army.

Williams also made appearances in films Ivanhoe (1952), The Extra Day (1956), A Stitch In Time (1963), What’s Up Nurse! (1977), The Human Factor (1979) and Oh! Heavenly Dog (1980), among others.

Williams joined fellow surviving cast members of Dad’s Army in 2000 for the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday celebrations, after she claimed the classic British comedy was her favourite television programme.