Beloved actor John Clegg, famed for his role as La Di Da Gunner Graham in the BBC sitcom It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, has passed away at the age of 90.
The cherished BBC star graced our screens in the classic comedy It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and also made memorable appearances on Dad’s Army. The actor’s peaceful passing in a care home has left friends from the theatre, acquaintances in Chichester, and family members mourning.
John was the widower of the late Mavis and brother to Anne and Mary, both of whom have predeceased him.
A private funeral service is set to take place on August 29th in Chichester, West Sussex.
The sad news broke on Tuesday through an announcement in The Telegraph, with Morris Bright, a Board Director at Elstree Studios, sharing the tribute.
On X, previously known as Twitter, he penned: “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 expressed their condolences on X, stating: “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.”
Fans have been quick to offer their tributes, with heartfelt messages such as “Rest in peace lovely boy,” and “Mr lah di dah gunner Graham brilliantly played.”
Others shared their grief, commenting “Sorry to hear this news RIP #JohnClegg,” and “Very sad news indeed that the Actor John Clegg sadly passed away RIP Sir.”
Another added: “Rest in Peace John Clegg thank you for the laughter” and “RIP to Gunner Graham, the actor John Clegg. A good innings from an actor who was always a strong and stable presence on screen.”
After his notorious role in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, John made a number of appearances on television and film including Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served? and Bless This House. He also featured as Clifford Howes in the soap opera ‘Crossroads’ in 1978.
One of his more recent roles was in the 2001 film Bridget Jones’s Diary.
John was married to fellow sitcom star Mavis Pugh, until her death in 2006, with both starring in 1988’s You Rang, M’Lord and 1972’s Are You Being Served?