Christopher Robin Parkinson (25 October 1929 – 7 May 2022) was an English actor known for his comedy roles. He was the second actor to portray Monsieur Ernest Leclerc[1] in 'Allo 'Allo! (22 episodes: series 7 to 9), after the death of Derek Royle. He was also the narrator of Button Moon.
Robin Parkinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Christopher Robin Parkinson 25 October 1929 Coventry, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | 7 May 2022 (aged 92) Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, England |
| Years active | 1957–2007 |
| Spouse |
Patricia Rogers (m. 1956) |
| Children | 3; including Sarah |
Career
editParkinson began his career in December 1957, appearing in The Imperial Nightingale at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre,[2] then joined the company at the Belgrade Theatre in his native Coventry. He made his first film appearance as the jeweller's assistant in Billy Liar (1963), followed by such titles as The Family Way (1966), They Came from Beyond Space (1967), Twisted Nerve (1968), Catch Me a Spy (1971), Alfie Darling (1975) and George and Mildred (1980). His TV appearances included roles in Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Terry and June, The Young Ones, The Kenny Everett Television Show, Thriller, Shelley, The Dick Emery Show, On the Buses, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? and The Liver Birds. He also played Desmond, the love interest of Miss Jones, in Rising Damp and a taxi driver in The Professionals (series 2, episode 8: A Stirring of Dust). In addition, he narrated and provided voices for the ITV television series Button Moon.
Personal life and death
editParkinson was born on 25 October 1929 in Coventry, Warwickshire.[3] He attended King Henry VIII School, Coventry and, after National Service with the Queen's Royal Lancers, the Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art.[3] He married Patricia Rogers in 1956 and had three daughters, one of whom, Sarah Parkinson (1962–2003), was a writer-producer of radio and television programmes and was married to comedian Paul Merton.[3][4]
References
edit- ^ "Robin Parkinson". BFI. Archived from the original on 23 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
- ^ 'The Christmas Shows of 1957: Birmingham', The Stage, 2 January 1958, p.11
- ^ a b c "Robin Parkinson obituary". The Times. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- ^ "Comic Paul Merton's wife dies". BBC News. 24 September 2003. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- ^ Lewis, Isobel (11 May 2022). "Robin Parkinson death: 'Allo! 'Allo! star and Button Moon narrator dies aged 92". The Independent. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ Howie, Michael (11 May 2022). "Robin Parkinson: Actor who played Monsieur Ernest Leclerc in 'Allo 'Allo! and was voice of Button Moon dies age 92". Evening Standard. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
- ^ "Obituary: Robin Parkinson – actor best known for his roles in beloved television comedies".
External links
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