Graham Stark

Graham William Stark, born on 20th January 1922, was a multi-faceted English entertainer who wore the hats of comedian, actor, writer, and even director. Born in New Brighton, part of Wallasey, in Wirral, Cheshire, England, Stark made his professional stage debut at the young age of 13 in pantomime at the prestigious Lyceum Theatre in London. Despite the turmoil of the Second World War, he served in 334 company of the BEF in Salonika, Greece, where he met fellow entertainers Tony Hancock and Peter Sellers, both of whom would play a crucial role in Stark's career post-war. Stark's range of talents matched his wide array of experiences. Being an adept at comic French accents, he gave memorable performances in films and on stage. Stark's television and radio journeys also encompass a variety of roles, with prominence gained through shows like A Show Called Fred, Son of Fred, and The Graham Stark Show. He also substituted for comedians like Spike Milligan on The Goon Show during absences due to illness. Stark's legacy continues to live on in his significant contributions to the beloved Pink Panther film series in a variety of character roles, appearing in seven films, a record matched only by his co-actors, Herbert Lom and Burt Kwouk.

In addition to his film and stage career, Stark also took on the role of Private Joe Walker in the radio adaptation of Dad's Army following the death of James Beck in 1973. Besides his comedy and acting career, Stark was also an excellent stills photographer. His personal life was filled with its own share of fond memories, including his marriage in 1959 to Audrey Nicholson, with whom he had two sons and a daughter. Stark lived a life of tremendous service to the entertainment industry before his passing on 29th October 2013 in London at the age of 91, leaving behind a body of work that continues to delight and inspire audiences all over.