Tragic fates of Dad's Army cast: From dressing room death to Ian Lavender's final days

Dad's Army first graced our screens in July 1968, introducing BBC viewers to a band of soldiers ready to fend off Nazi intruders. Set amidst the backdrop of the Second World War, the series chronicled the exploits of the Walmington-on-Sea Guard. With its quintessentially British humour and nostalgic charm, it quickly became a timeless classic.

The programme aired until 1977, with creators David Croft and Jimmy Perry gifting audiences unforgettable characters such as the compassionate medic Private Godfrey, market trader Private Walker, and the clumsy Private Pike. But what became of these iconic cast members?

Express.co.uk takes a closer look at the lives of the seven stars who made up Dad's Army.

Captain Mainwaring

Arthur Lowe took on the role of the leader, marking the most significant part of his career. However, he wasn't the initial choice for the role, with Thorley Walters and Leonard Rossiter declining the offer, and Jon Pertwee also being considered.

Derbyshire-born Arthur embarked on his professional acting journey in 1945 after serving his country in the Second World War. In the post-war years, he landed various roles in London theatre productions before securing his first television role in 1951, in an episode of the BBC series I Made News.

The actor continued to work in television every year until his death on 15 April 1982, aged 66. Prior to joining Dad's Army, he also starred in the ITV soap Coronation Street as preacher Leonard Swindley, among other roles.

Reports suggest that Arthur's portrayal of Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army was not far off from his own personality, as colleagues described him as bumbling and pompous. It is said that he refused to take his script home, declaring he wouldn't have "such damn rubbish" in his house.

Following an illustrious career, Arthur tragically passed away in Birmingham, in his dressing room at the Alexandra Theatre, just before a performance with his wife, Joan, after suffering a stroke.

Private Frank Pike

Ian Lavender brought to life the character of Private Frank Pike, the youngest soldier in Dad's Army. His distinctive scarf and innocence made him a beloved figure among BBC viewers.

In an interview with The Guardian, he reflected on his time in the show: "I was a complete beginner, and I suddenly joined what was probably Britain's most experienced team of character actors. I was in a state of shock, suddenly finding myself among so many great actors. When the moment came for me to speak, that funny voice of Pike just came out in a moment of panic."

Following Dad's Army, Ian continued his acting journey, joining EastEnders as Derek Harkinson from 2001 to 2005, and making a comeback in 2016. His career extended further with appearances in Doctors, The Hello Goodbye Man, Come Back Mrs North, and Casualty.

The Birmingham-born performer passed away last February in Woolpit, Suffolk, merely a fortnight shy of his 78th birthday. Throughout his lifetime, he had battled numerous health complications, including bladder cancer, a cardiac episode and sepsis.

Sergeant Arthur Wilson

John Le Mesurier portrayed Platoon Sergeant Arthur Wilson in the programme, with his character stationed beneath Mainwaring's command. Recognised for his relaxed and debonair demeanour as an officer, John—despite being renowned for his theatrical contributions—featured in productions such as Bognor, Bod, and Comedy Playhouse.

Throughout his distinguished career, he featured in over 100 cinema productions, including Brothers in Law, I'm All Right Jack and Private's Progress. Heartbreakingly, six years following Dad's Army's conclusion, he succumbed to a gastric haemorrhage caused by hepatic cirrhosis. He was 71 years of age.

He penned his own obituary notice in The Times, which stated: "John le Mesurier wishes it to be known that he conked out on November 15. He sadly misses family and friends."

Prior to slipping into unconsciousness, his parting words were reportedly: "It's all been rather lovely."

Corporal Jack Jones

Lance Corporal Jack Jones was portrayed by Clive Dunn, whose unforgettable phrases included "Don't panic!", "Permission to speak, sir?", and "They don't like it, up 'em!" had viewers roaring with laughter. Following the programme's conclusion, Clive featured in Grandad, My Old Man, Noel's House Party, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Speaking to the BBC, he reminisced: "The location filming was great fun. I always say that my favourite episode was The Royal Train because we had a lot of fun doing the location filming for that. I don't think they were into health and safety quite as much as these days. We were on that pump trolley going up and down the line pursuing the train – then the train pursued us."

Throughout his career, the actor often took on roles of characters significantly older than himself. For instance, in Dad's Army, his character was meant to be septuagenarian, yet Clive Dunn was only 48 when the series commenced in 1968.

Regrettably, Clive departed this world at the age of 92 in 2012, succumbing to complications from an operation he had the previous week.

Private Charles Godfrey

Arnold Ridley brought life to Private Charles Godfrey, but sadly, he left us in 1984 following injuries from a fall. Arnold's talents extended beyond acting; he was a prolific playwright and a First World War veteran.

Additionally, he is recognised as the great-uncle of Star Wars' Daisy Ridley.

Private James Fazer

Originating from Scotland, John Laurie gained fame for his portrayal of Private James Fazer, immortalised by his memorable catchphrase: "We're doomed, doomed!" His career also included appearances on The Morecambe and Wise Show, Jackanory, and a role in the film The Prisoner of Zenda. He retired from acting in 1979 and died the following year at 83.

Private Joe Walker

James Beck, known for his role as Private Joe Walker in Dad's Army, tragically passed away at the tender age of 44 while the series was still on air. His untimely death in 1973 due to pancreatitis led to his character's exit from the popular programme.

Prior to this, Beck had appeared in Romany Jones, A Christmas Night with the Stars, and Scoop.

Miss Janet King

Caroline Dowdeswell brought to life the character of Miss Janet, the clerk at Swallow Bank who worked alongside Mainwaring, Wilson, and Pike in the inaugural series of Dad's Army. Caroline bid farewell to her acting career in 1978 and now, at the age of 80, she is engaged in the publishing sector.