Dad's Army: How many cast members are still alive as Ian Lavender dies at 77

05 February 2024 , 13:50

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Where the cast of Dad's Army are now, over 40 years after the show aired (Image: PA)

The beloved BBC series Dad's Army quickly became a classic British comedy, but many of its stars are sadly no longer with us.

The show, which was set during World War II, followed the antics of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard as they prepared to fend off Nazi invaders. It ran between 1968 to 1977 and creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft introduced viewers to unforgettable characters like the bumbling Private Pike, kind-hearted medic Private Godfrey, and black market dealer Private Walker. Despite its small cast, the show was packed with hilarious one-liners and touching moments.

Ian Lavender, who played the role of Private Frank Pike, sadly died at the age of 77, which was announced on Monday (5 February). His death was announced by the Dad's Army official social media account, which said he "leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions". Now, 47 years after the show ended, we're taking a look at which members of the Dad's Army cast are still with us today.

Seven actors made up the main cast of Dad's Army (BBC)

Captain Mainwaring

The team leader Captain Mainwaring was played by Arthur Lowe. This role became his most iconic, although he also appeared in shows like Bless Me Father, Potter, and A.J. Wentworth, B.A. Sadly, Arthur passed away in 1982 at the age of 66 following a stroke.

Sergeant Arthur Wilson.

Arthur Wilson, the Platoon Sergeant played by John Le Mesurier, served under George Mainwaring in Dad's Army. Known for being a laid-back and charming officer, John - although known for his theatre work - starred in shows like Bognor, Bod, and Comedy Playhouse. Sadly, six years after Dad's Army ended, he passed away from a stomach haemorrhage triggered by cirrhosis of the liver. Wilson was 71 years old.

Dad's Army star Ian Lavender say cast grew so close they shared deep secrets

Private Frank Pike

Portrayed by Ian Lavender, Private Frank Pike was the youngest soldier in Dad's Army. Famous for his naïve outlook and rebellious scarf, Frank Pike was a fan favourite. The 77 year old enjoyed a thriving acting career post-Dad's Army. Perhaps most notably, he played Derek Harkinson on EastEnders from 2001 to 2005, then again from 2016 to 2017. He's also appeared in Doctors, Casualty, The Hello Goodbye Man, and Come Back Mrs Noah.

Ian Lavender was the last remaining star of Dad's Army

His death was announced in a post that 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."

Lance Corporal Jack Jones

Clive Dunn played the quirky character armed with catchphrases like "Don't panic!", "Permission to speak, sir?", and "They don't like it, up 'em!", which kept viewers laughing. After the series finished, Clive featured in Grandad, My Old Man, Noel's House Party, and Much Ado About Nothing. In 2012, the actor sadly passed away aged 92 due to troubles from an operation he'd had the previous week.

Private Charles Godfrey

Fall damage was the slowly unfolding cause behind Arnold Ridley's death in 1984, who starred as pacifist Private Charles Godfrey. Arnold was an experienced writer beyond being a World War soldier and actor. He is also the great-uncle of Star Wars star Daisy Ridley.

Private James Fazer

John Laurie, hailing from Scotland, was renowned for his on-screen panic catchphrase: "We're doomed, doomed!" His acting credits included appearances on The Morecambe & Wise Show, Jackanory, and the film The Prisoner of Zenda. In 1980, just after retiring the previous year, Laurie died aged 83.

Private Joe Walker

Sadly, actor James Beck died while Dad's Army was still on air. He was just 44 when he lost his battle with pancreatitis in 1973, leading to his exit from the show. The talented actor had previously featured in Romany Jones, A Christmas Night with the Stars and Scoop.

Miss Janet King

Miss Janet King was the clerk at Swallow Bank who works with Mainwaring, Wilson and Pike in the first series. She was played by Caroline Dowdeswell, who decided to retire from acting in 1978. Caroline now aged 78, works in the publishing industry.

Timothy Carlton Congdon Cumberbatch

The actor held a small role in the series, having worked on a number of other TV shows over the years. Timothy was starred in Executive Stress, Keeping Up Appearances, Next of Kin and television film Gauguin the Savage. He is the father of actor Benedict Cumberbatch and continues to act.

Michael Knowles

Michael also held a small role in Dad's Army, having co-adapted the radio version and writing for the Dad's Army spinoff series It Sticks Out Half a Mile for radio. Michael has held the role of president of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society since 2022 following the death of Frank Williams.

Mia O'Hare