George Cole: Star of Minder dies at 90

[webfact]

Comic actor George Cole dies
DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — George Cole, the British actor best known for playing conman Arthur Daley on the long-running TV series "Minder," has died. He was 90.

Cole's career spanned more than 70 years from his first stage appearance in 1939 and included more than 40 films, including "Cleopatra," with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. From 1979-1994 he starred as cigar-smoking, Jaguar-driving Arthur Daley on ITV's "Minder."

Set in London's criminal underworld, "Minder" followed the adventures of a small-time crook always on the lookout for his next dodgy deal. Cole's shifty but ambitious character captured the money-conscious spirit of Britain in the 1980s, and he was twice nominated for best actor by the British Academy of Film and Television.

Cole was surrounded by his family when he died Wednesday at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after a short illness, said agent Derek Webster, who represents Cole's "Minder" co-star Dennis Waterman.

Born in south London, Cole started working when he was 14, appearing in the chorus of "White Horse Inn" in 1939. He starred with Alastair Sim in the 1941 film "Cottage to Let," in which he played a resourceful evacuee from wartime London who unmasks a spy. Sim, an older actor with an established career, took him under his wing and the pair appeared together in several films, including the 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol."

Cole also appeared in some 30 plays and numerous television series, including "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" in the United States.

Tributes poured in Thursday, including one from Tony Hall, the director general of the BBC.

"George Cole was a wonderful actor and he has a very special place in the public's affection," he said. "He will be greatly missed."


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-08-07

[harada]

RIP George, one of the best.

[sanuk711]

Arthur Daley is dead.................. there will never be another one like him said Harry Redknap..........................

R.I.P.

[webfact]

[Jessi]

RiP George Cole, you gave me many hours of laughter.

[sunshine51]

My own small tribute to George Cole...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11546026/The-world-is-your-lobster-Arthur-Daleys-guide-to-life.html

http://www.plentyquotes.com/tvseries/Minder/Minder.html

http://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-news/remembering-george-cole-12-of-arthur-daleys-funniest-quotes-11363996520714

Rest In Peace George...Rest in peace...

[samuibeachcomber]

Sadly missed,gave so much pleasure.

[stoneyboy]

I hope Er Indoors is ok.

Great actor.

RIP.

[samuibeachcomber]

I hope Er Indoors is ok.

Great actor.

RIP.

I like that.

[evadgib]

...feels like i've lost my mum and my dad in the same week!

Having said that i couldn't help laugh at his epitaph on 'deathlist'; 'nice little urn-er!

[Linky]

Minder, one of the best shiws I have ever seen. RIP Mr Cole

[Lissos]

"Write the feem-toon, sing the feem-toon"

I may get pelted for this but I thought George Cole was already dead.

Arthur Daley shall liveth on, in the form of Nigel Farage and his coat.

[Varangkul]

My era, my hero - you're the man, George Cole. RIP

[empireboy]

Loved your work George!

Thank you for adding to my enjoyment of life!!

[blazes]

Arthur Daley is dead.................. there will never be another one like him said Harry Redknap..........................

R.I.P.

I think 'Arry Redknap based his whole life on Arthur Daley.

[northernphil]

As a tribute I suggest all out there watch Minder on the Orient Express. I was down my local last night up here in the far North and I was telling my mate that the night before I had just finished watching all the Minder series . 2 nights ago Series 10 ep. 10. Only to get home to 'er indoors to find G.Cole had died. My mate down the local knew where in Putney Sarf London the series was filmed. Goodbye George , another one of my heroes gorn.

[khunken]

Very sad. Great actor with a very long career.

I first saw him in 'The Belles of St Trinians' which must have been late 60s or early 70s.

Rest peacefully George.

[Cuchulainn]

The world has lost a great actor. RIP George.

[Jonmarleesco]

And I was watching Minder reruns while confined in Samitivej, just weeks ago. Hadn't realised he was that old. RIP, George.

[scotinsiam]

Truely my faourite actor- especially Minder Arfrur was legend. RIP and many thanks George

[Lokie]

Used to watch it with my old man as a young bloke, we both really enjoyed it as lads together, miss me dad and will miss George Cole

God bless Arfur, put a Vera Lynne on the slate Dave!

R I P

[lap82]

Rest in peace.