Ian Lavender, who played Private Frank Pike in classic comedy series Dad’s Army, has died at the age of 77.
Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom.
But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic.
Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series.
Ian Lavender cause of death
Ian’s death was announced in by Dad’s Army’s social media account on Monday afternoon (February 5) with no cause of death revealed.
The statement read: “We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful, Ian Lavender. In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast.
“His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions. We will dedicate this year’s tour to his memory. Our thoughts and love are with Ian’s wonderful wife Miki, their family and close friends.”
Lavender, who died on Friday (2 February), was cast in the show in 1969, when he was just 22, and played the role for 10 years. Lavender’s character Pike was the youngest member of the platoon depicted in the sitcom, and the series made him a household name in the UK.
Over the decades, he would often appear at Dad’s Army fan conventions and reunions alongside his fellow cast members. In 2016, he made a cameo appearance as Brigadier Pritchard in the film version of the sitcom, which starred Toby Jones, Bill Nighy and Tom Courtenay.
Lavender was the last surviving star of the British sitcom following the death of Frank Williams, who played Reverend Timothy Farthing, in 2022.
He also played Derek Harkinson, the best friend of Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), in EastEnders between 2001 and 2005, before reprising his role in 2016 for a short stint.
As well as screen credits, Lavender performed on stage numerous times throughout his career, including appearing alongside Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman in a production of The Merchant of Venice in the early 1970s.
Lavender also starred in a long list of other TV show and movies including the series Stella, Holby City, Goodnight Sweetheart, Casualty, Peak Practice, Behind Enemy Lines, plus many more.
Ian Lavender net worth
Ian Lavender had a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
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