Beloved British actor John Clegg, best known for his role as Gunner Graham in the classic BBC sitcom "It Ain't Half Hot Mum", has passed away at the age of 90.
Clegg died peacefully in care on August 20th, 2024. A private funeral is scheduled for August 29th in West Sussex.
Tributes have poured in for the actor, fondly remembered for his comedic talents. BAFTA member Morris Bright MBE wrote on X, "We is very sorry indeed to hear that La Di Da Gunner Graham, actor John Clegg, has gone to that great concert party in the sky, aged 90. He certainly was one of the boys who entertained us."
The British Comedy Society echoed these sentiments, posting on X, "We're saddened to learn of the death of actor John Clegg, best known as It Ain't Half Hot Mum's Padrewski, Gunner Graham. He was 90."
Born to English parents in Murree, Punjab, India in 1934, Clegg began his career at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He entertained audiences with his performances in numerous stage productions and television series, including "Dad's Army", "Mr. Bean", and "Bridget Jones's Diary."
Clegg was married to fellow sitcom star Mavis Pugh until her passing in 2006. The couple starred together in various productions, including "You Rang, M'Lord" and "Are You Being Served?".
In 2017, Clegg shared stories of his career with the Chichester Literary Society during a talk titled "My Life as an Actor." He recounted an amusing encounter with a young Dame Judi Dench who questioned his suitability for traditional Shakespearean roles.
A fan of Rudyard Kipling, Clegg collaborated with his wife Mavis on a one-man show based on the renowned storyteller's work. The production enjoyed success at the Edinburgh Festival in the 1980s.
"It Ain't Half Hot Mum," first broadcast on BBC One in 1974, ran for 56 episodes before ending in 1981. The sitcom, set in India during the closing months of World War II, captivated audiences, reaching a peak of 15 million viewers in the 1970s.
However, the show has been subject to criticism in recent years, with some deeming it unsuitable for modern audiences due to its portrayal of Indian characters and a scene where white actor Michael Bates darkened his skin to play the Indian character, Rangi Ram.
British-Indian comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, known for his work in the comedy series "Goodness Gracious Me," has defended the show, arguing against its removal from repeat channels or streaming platforms. He believes the show should be viewed in the context of its time, highlighting Michael Bates' fluency in Urdu and the fact that Rangi Ram was not the target of jokes within the series.
"My argument has always been about trying to judge things from that time, to understand what the social climate was like with regards to entertainment," Bhaskar stated in a 2022 podcast interview. "Society moves on and it evolves. The problem for me with removing them completely is that they are part of the story, the social story of where we've got to now."
John Clegg's passing marks the loss of a talented and versatile actor who left a lasting mark on British comedy. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered fondly by audiences for generations to come.
