Thomas Frederick Godfrey (20 June 1916 â 24 June 1984) was an English comedian and actor who mostly played working-class Cockney characters.
He was born in London, and started his career as a tap dancer in variety shows, firstly with his sister and then as part of the act Godfrey, Randall and Deane. He then worked as a solo comedian, and often as a principal boy in pantomimes.
He made his film debut playing a bus conductor – a typical role – in Passport to Pimlico (1949). As a character actor, he continued to appear in occasional films in the 1950s and 1960s, but had his greatest period of success in the 1970s.
He appeared in several popular television sitcoms, including regular appearances in On the House (1970), Love Thy Neighbour (1972-1976), and Mind Your Language (1977-1979). His other television credits, in both comedic and serious roles, included The Saint, Special Branch, The Persuaders, The Avengers, Bless This House, Till Death Us Do Part, Z-Cars, Softly, Softly, The Goodies, Steptoe and Son, and Crown Court.
He died in London in 1984, aged 68.