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{{short description|English actor}}
{{short description|English actor}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}

{{Use British English|date=June 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2012}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2011}}
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| image = File:Lennard_Pearce.png
| image = File:Lennard_Pearce.png
| caption = Pearce as '''[[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]]''' in ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]''
| caption = Pearce as '''[[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]]''' in ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]''
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1915|02|09|df=y}}<ref>Death cert</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1915|02|09|df=y}}<ref name="grave"/>
| birth_place = [[Paddington]], London, England
| birth_place = [[Paddington]], London, England
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1984|12|15|1915|2|9|df=y}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1984|12|15|1915|2|9|df=y}}
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'''Lennard Pearce''' (9 February 1915 – 15 December 1984) was an English actor who worked mostly in the theatre, but also appeared in British television. He starred in the last years of his life as [[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]] in the sitcom ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'', from its beginning in September 1981 until his death in December 1984.
'''Lennard Pearce''' (9 February 1915 – 15 December 1984) was an English actor who worked mostly in the theatre, but also appeared in British television. He starred in the last years of his life as [[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]] in the sitcom ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'', from its beginning in September 1981 until his death in December 1984.

==early Life==
Pearce was born on February 9, 1915 <ref name="grave">{{cite web |title=Lennard Pearce |url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13328523/lennard-pearce |work=findagrave.com |date=7 June 2020}}</ref> in [[Paddington]], Pearce trained as an actor at the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]], in London.


==Career==
==Career==
===Theatre===
===Theatre===
Born in [[Paddington]], Pearce trained as an actor at the [[Royal Academy of Dramatic Art]], in London. As a young actor in the 1930s, he went on a performance tour in Germany. One theatrical performance was attended by senior members of the [[Nazi Party]]; at the end of the show, party officials came backstage to congratulate the cast, and Pearce shook hands with [[Adolf Hitler]]. Pearce later told his ''Only Fools and Horses'' co-star [[Nicholas Lyndhurst]] that he regretted not taking the opportunity to kill Hitler.<ref>{{cite news|title=Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce 'had the chance to kill Hitler'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/10/02/fools-horses-actor-lennard-pearce-had-chance-kill-hitler/|accessdate=2 October 2017|work=The Telegraph|location=London|date=2 October 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002141632/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/10/02/fools-horses-actor-lennard-pearce-had-chance-kill-hitler/|archivedate=2 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
As a young actor in the 1930s, he went on a performance tour in Germany. One theatrical performance was attended by senior members of the [[Nazi Party]]; at the end of the show, party officials came backstage to congratulate the cast, and Pearce shook hands with [[Adolf Hitler]]. Pearce later told his ''Only Fools and Horses'' co-star [[Nicholas Lyndhurst]] that he regretted not taking the opportunity to kill Hitler.<ref>{{cite news|title=Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce 'had the chance to kill Hitler'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/10/02/fools-horses-actor-lennard-pearce-had-chance-kill-hitler/|accessdate=2 October 2017|work=The Telegraph|location=London|date=2 October 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002141632/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/10/02/fools-horses-actor-lennard-pearce-had-chance-kill-hitler/|archivedate=2 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


During [[World War II]], Pearce performed for the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). In the early 1960s, he understudied for [[Stanley Holloway]] as Alfred P. Doolittle in the original West End production of ''[[My Fair Lady]]''. After 1965, he appeared in many plays at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], including ''[[Much Ado About Nothing]]'' and ''[[Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead]]''. He worked with both [[Laurence Olivier]] and [[Anthony Hopkins]] on stage. In 1966, Pearce starred in [[Richard Brinsley Sheridan]]'s ''[[The Rivals]]'' alongside [[David Jason]], but the two men did not meet again until 15 years later.
During [[World War II]], Pearce performed for the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). In the early 1960s, he understudied for [[Stanley Holloway]] as Alfred P. Doolittle in the original West End production of ''[[My Fair Lady]]''. After 1965, he appeared in many plays at the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], including ''[[Much Ado About Nothing]]'' and ''[[Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead]]''. He worked with both [[Laurence Olivier]] and [[Anthony Hopkins]] on stage. In 1966, Pearce starred in [[Richard Brinsley Sheridan]]'s ''[[The Rivals]]'' alongside [[David Jason]], but the two men did not meet again until 15 years later.
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===Television===
===Television===
Pearce starred as [[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]] in the first three series of the [[BBC]] sitcom ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' between 1981 and 1983,<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |title=IMDb > Grandad (Character) |url=https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0026067/ |publisher=[[IMDb]] |accessdate=27 January 2010}}</ref> the role with which he is most closely associated. His other work includes ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'' (1965), ''[[Dr. Finlay's Casebook (TV and radio)|Dr. Finlay's Casebook]]'' (1967), ''[[Sykes (TV series)|Sykes]]'' (1972) and ''[[Coronation Street]]'' in May 1969 and April 1977, along with ''[[The Wednesday Play]]'' ("[[Cathy Come Home]]", 1966). Pearce played a role in ''[[Crown Court (TV series)|Crown Court]]'' broadcast in February 1984.
His other work includes ''[[Dixon of Dock Green]]'' (1965), ''[[Dr. Finlay's Casebook (TV and radio)|Dr. Finlay's Casebook]]'' (1967), ''[[Sykes (TV series)|Sykes]]'' (1972) and ''[[Coronation Street]]'' in May 1969 and April 1977, along with ''[[The Wednesday Play]]'' ("[[Cathy Come Home]]", 1966). Pearce played a role in ''[[Crown Court (TV series)|Crown Court]]'' broadcast in February 1984.


In 1981, Pearce starred as [[Grandad (Only Fools and Horses)|Grandad]] in the first three series of the [[BBC]] sitcom ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'' between 1981 and 1983,<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |title=IMDb > Grandad (Character) |url=https://www.imdb.com/character/ch0026067/ |publisher=[[IMDb]] |accessdate=27 January 2010}}</ref> the role with which he is most closely associated.
Pearce also appeared in an episode of ''[[Minder (TV series)|Minder]]'' named "The Balance of Power", which was shown on Halloween in 1984, along with playing Mr Coles in three episodes of ''[[Shroud for a Nightingale]]'' in March 1984. Coincidentally, the man who replaced Pearce as the senior member of the Trotter family, [[Buster Merryfield]], also appeared in two episodes of the same series. Pearce's last TV appearance was an appearance on ''[[Children in Need]]'', broadcast on BBC1 on 23 November 1984.
Pearce also appeared in an episode of ''[[Minder (TV series)|Minder]]'' named "The Balance of Power", which was shown on Halloween in 1984, along with playing Mr Coles in three episodes of ''[[Shroud for a Nightingale]]'' in March 1984. Coincidentally, the man who replaced Pearce as the senior member of the Trotter family, [[Buster Merryfield]], also appeared in two episodes of the same series. Pearce's last TV appearance was an appearance on ''[[Children in Need]]'', broadcast on BBC1 on 23 November 1984.


==Health problems and death==
==Health problems and death==
In 1980, Pearce was in a play at the [[Bristol Old Vic]], when he kept losing balance and repeatedly falling asleep. He was diagnosed as having critical [[hypertension]], and put on seven different tablets for it, taking these for the rest of his life. A heavy smoker for many years, Pearce was in poor health while filming ''Only Fools and Horses''. On 12 December 1984, he suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to the [[Whittington Hospital]], where his condition improved. Two days later, ''Only Fools and Horses'' scriptwriter [[John Sullivan (writer)|John Sullivan]] visited him, and assured Pearce that his place in the programme would be open for him when he recovered. However, following his discharge, Pearce suffered a second heart attack on 15 December at his flat in [[Archway, London|Archway]] and died instantly. He was 69.
In 1980, Pearce was in a play at the [[Bristol Old Vic]], when he kept losing balance and repeatedly falling asleep. He was diagnosed as having critical [[hypertension]], and put on seven different tablets for it, taking these for the rest of his life. A heavy smoker for many years, Pearce was in poor health while filming ''Only Fools and Horses''. On 12 December 1984, he suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to the [[Whittington Hospital]], where his condition improved. Two days later, ''Only Fools and Horses'' scriptwriter [[John Sullivan (writer)|John Sullivan]] visited him, and assured Pearce that his place in the programme would be open for him when he recovered. However, following his discharge, Pearce suffered a second heart attack on 15 December at his flat in [[Archway, London|Archway]] and died instantly, He was 69.<ref name="grave"/>


Sullivan was phoned the following morning to be told the news, and he broke it to Pearce's ''Only Fools and Horses'' co-stars [[David Jason]] and [[Nicholas Lyndhurst]], who were devastated by Pearce's sudden death, as were the entire crew.
Sullivan was phoned the following morning to be told the news, and he broke it to Pearce's ''Only Fools and Horses'' co-stars [[David Jason]] and [[Nicholas Lyndhurst]], who were devastated by Pearce's sudden death, as were the entire crew.

Revision as of 13:42, 14 November 2022

For the electrical engineer, see Leonard Pearce.
Lennard Pearce
Pearce as Grandad in Only Fools and Horses
Born(1915-02-09)9 February 1915[1]
Paddington, London, England
Died15 December 1984(1984-12-15) (aged 69)
Archway, London, England
Alma materRoyal Academy of Dramatic Art
OccupationActor
Years active1930s–1984
TelevisionOnly Fools and Horses (1981–1984, his death)

Lennard Pearce (9 February 1915 – 15 December 1984) was an English actor who worked mostly in the theatre, but also appeared in British television. He starred in the last years of his life as Grandad in the sitcom Only Fools and Horses, from its beginning in September 1981 until his death in December 1984.

early Life

Pearce was born on February 9, 1915 [1] in Paddington, Pearce trained as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in London.

Career

Theatre

As a young actor in the 1930s, he went on a performance tour in Germany. One theatrical performance was attended by senior members of the Nazi Party; at the end of the show, party officials came backstage to congratulate the cast, and Pearce shook hands with Adolf Hitler. Pearce later told his Only Fools and Horses co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst that he regretted not taking the opportunity to kill Hitler.[2]

During World War II, Pearce performed for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). In the early 1960s, he understudied for Stanley Holloway as Alfred P. Doolittle in the original West End production of My Fair Lady. After 1965, he appeared in many plays at the National Theatre, including Much Ado About Nothing and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He worked with both Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins on stage. In 1966, Pearce starred in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The Rivals alongside David Jason, but the two men did not meet again until 15 years later.

In 1975, Pearce played Owl in a theatre adaptation of Winnie the Pooh at the Phoenix Theatre in London and, two years later, Mr Witherspoon in Arsenic and Old Lace at the Westminster Theatre. He was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Television

His other work includes Dixon of Dock Green (1965), Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1967), Sykes (1972) and Coronation Street in May 1969 and April 1977, along with The Wednesday Play ("Cathy Come Home", 1966). Pearce played a role in  Crown Court broadcast in February 1984.

In 1981, Pearce starred as Grandad in the first three series of the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses between 1981 and 1983,[3] the role with which he is most closely associated. Pearce also appeared in an episode of Minder named "The Balance of Power", which was shown on Halloween in 1984, along with playing Mr Coles in three episodes of Shroud for a Nightingale in March 1984. Coincidentally, the man who replaced Pearce as the senior member of the Trotter family, Buster Merryfield, also appeared in two episodes of the same series. Pearce's last TV appearance was an appearance on Children in Need, broadcast on BBC1 on 23 November 1984.

Health problems and death

In 1980, Pearce was in a play at the Bristol Old Vic, when he kept losing balance and repeatedly falling asleep. He was diagnosed as having critical hypertension, and put on seven different tablets for it, taking these for the rest of his life. A heavy smoker for many years, Pearce was in poor health while filming Only Fools and Horses. On 12 December 1984, he suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to the Whittington Hospital, where his condition improved. Two days later, Only Fools and Horses scriptwriter John Sullivan visited him, and assured Pearce that his place in the programme would be open for him when he recovered. However, following his discharge, Pearce suffered a second heart attack on 15 December at his flat in Archway and died instantly, He was 69.[1]

Sullivan was phoned the following morning to be told the news, and he broke it to Pearce's Only Fools and Horses co-stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who were devastated by Pearce's sudden death, as were the entire crew.

When Pearce died, production was under way of the Only Fools and Horses episode "Hole in One". Scenes he had filmed on location prior to his death were re-shot with Buster Merryfield as the replacement character Uncle Albert, and the episode was put back in the series. The episode "Strained Relations" begins in the wake of the death of the character Pearce had played.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
1961 The Wind of Change Market trader Film
1976 Face of Darkness Edward Langdon Film

Television

Year Title Role
1957–1958 Our Miss Pemberton Edward Simpson 6 episodes
1959 The Case Before You Victor Hardwick 1 episode
1958 +1964 Armchair Theatre Albert Waite Bill Brough 2 episodes
1964 Melissa Detective Sergeant Heston 1 episode
1964 No Hiding Place 1st Ambulance man 1 episode
1964 Thorndyke Shenston
1965 Dixon of Dock Green Mr. Kemp 1 episode
1965 Blackmail George Dickson - Night Watchman 1 episode
1965 Undermind Gregson 1 episode
1965 The Sullavan Brothers Prison officer Gunter 1 episode
1966 The Wednesday Play Ratepayer 1 episode
1966 Emergency-Ward 10 Dr. Hammond, MOH 1 episode
1966 The Newcomers Man in Courtroom 1 episode
1969 Coronation Street Mr. Bracegirdle 1 episode
1969 The First Lady Gierson 1 episode
1969 Market in Honey Lane Jasper Tewkes 1 episode
1967–1969 Dr. Finlay's Casebook Consultant John Dow Pearson 3 episodes
1970 Nearest and Dearest Doctor 1 episode
1970 A Family at War Cowking 1 episode
1971 Under and Over Secretary 1 episode
1971 Advent of Steam Trundell 1 episode
1971 Take Three Girls Fulton 1 episode
1972 Sykes Club Member 1 episode
1972 Softly, Softly: Task Force Pearson 1 episode
1974 Antony and Cleopatra Cleopatra's Schoolteacher TV Movie
1974 Marked Personal Mr. Potts 2 episodes
1975 Zigger Zagger Headmastr 1 episode
1976 Within These Walls Mr. Kearny 1 episode
1976 Victorian Scandals Detective Sergeant Simmonds 1 episode
1977 Seven Faces of Woman Customer in pub 1 episode
1980 Play for Today Patient 1 episode
1980 Hammer House of Horror Rector 1 episode
1978 Bless Me, Father Clerk of the Court 1 episode
1981 Second Chance Registrar 1 episode
1981 Diamonds Priest 1 episode
1982 The Funny Side of Christmas Grandad TV Movie
1982 Only Fools and Horses: Christmas Trees Grandad TV Short
1981–1983 Only Fools and Horses Grandad Trotter (Edward "Ted" Trotter) 22 episodes
1984 Shroud for a Nightingale Mr. Coles 3 episodes
1984 Crown Court Ronald Wardle 1 episode
1984 Only Fools and Horses: Licensed to Drill Grandad Trotter (Edward "Ted" Trotter) Video
1984 Miracles Take Longer Elderly man 1 episode
1984 Minder George 1 episode

References

  1. ^ a b c "Lennard Pearce". findagrave.com. 7 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce 'had the chance to kill Hitler'". The Telegraph. London. 2 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  3. ^ "IMDb > Grandad (Character)". IMDb. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
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