Colin Bean (15 April 1926 – 20 June 2009) was an English actor. He was best known for his role as Private Sponge in the BBC comedy series Dad's Army.
Early life Born in Wigan, Lancashire, Bean's father played football for local side Wigan Borough, and he attended Wigan Grammar School. Bean's first appearance had been as a shepherd in a school play, and much against his parents' intentions, he took up acting professionally until being called up for National Service. He served for four years in the British Army after World War II, spending some time in Japan, and taking the opportunity to continue his acting by joining the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). After graduating from drama school in 1952, he joined the Sheffield Rep as assistant stage manager; regular theatre work followed.
Career His work in Dad's Army came as a result of working at Watford Rep in 1962 under series co-writer Jimmy Perry as the company's actor-manager, in addition to almost 20 years of playing a pantomime dame. His role in Dad's Army started off relatively small but grew as the series progressed, in 1997 he said "by the time of The Miser's Hoard I'd ended up on the front row of the platoon, it was a lovely feeling. Instead of peering and smirking over Jones' shoulder, I was on the front line. It was very satisfying." His TV appearances were varied, including Z-Cars, The Gnomes of Dulwich, The Liver Birds, thirteen episodes of Michael Bentine's Potty Time, Are You Being Served?, and the penultimate episode of Hi-de-Hi! (1988).
Due to his arthritis, in his later years he concentrated on his radio work. He wrote his autobiography, Who Do You Think You Are Kidding!, which was published in 1998 and went into two editions.
Though using a wheelchair in his later years, he continued to make sporadic appearances on stage in the north west of England discussing his long acting career. He was also a regular at Dad's Army reunions. He continued to live in the Scholes area of his native Wigan until his death, aged 83, in Wigan Infirmary, on 20 June 2009.
Filmography
Television
Year Title Role Notes1955Red Riding HoodKing WolfTV film1961Richard the LionheartYeomanEpisode: School for a King 1963 Z Cars Mr Cowpe Episode: Members Only1966No Hiding PlaceDet Sgt ParsonsEpisode: It Isn't Just The Money... 1968-77 Dad's Army Private Sponge Recurring role in 76 episodesThe Independent obituary.1969The Gnomes of DulwichVarious roles 3 episodes Gold robbersPrison ImateEpisode: Dog eat DogHarry Worth ShowPolicemanThe GoodiesKnight The First Churchills Lord Russell 2 episodes Broaden Your Mind Various roles 3 episodes1970Up Pompeii!Centurion1971Now Take My WifeDirty Macintosh Man 1971-72 The Liver Birds First speaker/Police constable 2 episodes 1972 His Lordship Entertains Episode: The Safari ParkScott on LanguageIndian Chief 1973Elementary My Dear WatsonAged newsellerMichael Bentine TimeVarious roles13 episodes Are You Being Served?Leatherette Gloves1976-78Potter's Picture PalaceVicar3 episodes 1976Fallen HeroLoud Supporter1980Cousin PhillisRobinson 1981 Ladykillers Clerk of Court Episode: A Smile is Sometimes Worth a Million Dollars Cribb Police constable Episode: Invitation to a Dynamite Party1983Crown CourtForeman of the Jury1985Good as GoldHis Worship the Mayor TV film 1986 Jossy's Giants Episode: The Siege of St James''' |- |1988 |Hi-de-Hi!''Verger
References
External links
Obituary in The Independent Obituary in The Guardian Colin Bean BFI