THE Wombles narrator Bernard Cribbins has tragically passed away at the age of 93.
cribbins also played the role of station porter Albert Perks in the 1970 classic The Railway Children and appeared in several other beloved shows.
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His death was announced today by his agent in a statement.
Gavin Barker Associates said: “Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away aged 93.
His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like ‘The Railway Children’ and the ‘Carry On’ series, ’60s hit ‘Right Said Fred’, an infamous guest on ‘Fawlty Towers’ and telling ‘The Wombles’.
He worked well into his 90s and most recently appeared in ‘Doctor Who’ and the CBeebies series ‘Old Jack’s Boat’. Last year he lost his 66-year-old wife, Gill.
“Bernard’s contribution to British entertainment is indisputable. He was unique, typical of the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.”
Cribbins became a household favorite thanks to his work on TV shows, including The Wombles, where he narrated all 60 episodes.
He also appeared more than 100 times on the classic children’s program Jackanory.
The actor appeared in soap opera Coronation Street, Last of the Summer Wine and Fawlty Towers as a spoon seller.
Cribbins also had a role in the revamped Doctor Who as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of the Doctor’s companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate.
He resurrected the role in 2007 alongside David Tennant as the Doctor and Kylie Minogue as his companion in a Christmas special.
In addition to TV, Cribbins also had roles in several Carry On films, the 1967 version of Casino Royale, and in Alfred Hitchcock thriller Frenzy.
The versatile star even enjoyed a successful music career and had a number of hits, including 1962 comedy songs, Hole In The Ground and Right Said Fred.
Working well into his 80s, the hardworking Cribbins previously joked, “I love it. I can’t stop. Why should I?”
He married his wife Gill in 1955, but tragically, the couple struggled to conceive after a miscarriage.
Cribbins received an OBE for services to drama in 2011, and also received the JM Barrie Award for his work on children’s television.
‘LEGEND’
Tributes are pouring in for the veteran actor led by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.
He said, “I am so lucky to have known him. Thank you for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.”
Charlatans singer Tim Burgess wrote, “Farewell Bernard Cribbins. Safe travels.”
TV channel Gold shared a photo of the actor in Fawlty Towers and said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Bernard Cribbins, who sadly passed away at the age of 93.
“We’re going to have lunch with a cheese salad, in honor of his memorable performance at Fawlty Towers.”
While actor Mark Gatiss said “there was no one like” Cribbins.
Gatiss, a writer for Doctor Who, added: “A gifted comedic actor with an incredible seam of pathos and real heart.
“From Salesmen to Star Turn, Wombles to Wilf.
“I once told him about his beautiful performance in Hammer’s She.
“That afternoon he was out playing 5 aside – almost 90 years old.”
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