Vale - Reg Varney 1916 - 2008
Well, some may consider this to be off topic, but I feel it quite the contrary. This week the world seemed a little less funnier, as we lost another great comedic actor, Reginald Varney. We have often used clips from his most famous series "On the Buses" to highlight the often missed underlying tones in the script. We have also done this with another one of Reg's successes 'The Rag Trade'.
We must not forget the writing of this time and how it is an important record of history in not only the working conditions of women, but also the community's attitudes towards women. At first glance, 'On The Buses' may seem to be seen by those of you who didn't grow up in this era as 'Benny Hill'esque' - but it isn't - it just reflected the time. A time we shouldn't forget because we need to continue to continue further.
Whilst there have been many tributes in my country, the UK and beyond this week, this particular compilation I feel is the sweetest. Note the photograph at 0.37, where Reg is the first in the world to use an ATM (he was that popular).
...the number 11 to the cemetery gates has now terminated
Reg Varney's LP & (left) one of his many visits to Australia at Coolangatta airport in November 1988
so glad you did this
Reply to this
well said
Reply to this
RIP reggy
Reply to this
you will be missed reg, angela from Devon
Reply to this
RIP Reg
Reply to this
pretty gutted know he was really old but still, bloody gutted
Reply to this
Reply to this
I guess they are all gone now
Reply to this
I believe the lovely Anna Karen (whom we refer to often here) is still alive, however she sadly lost her husband this year (another 'Buses') actor, Terry Duggan.
Stephen Lewis is also still with us - being much younger than Reg Varney, despite their character ages.
Reply to this
Reply to this
love the rag trade
pretty awful, well he was old but god this was a shock
Reply to this
thanks for the memories Stan, no need to get the bus out on time now
Reply to this
agree with your comments webmistresses
heard the news yesterday and couldn't believe it
Reply to this
didn't jack the clippy commit suicide?
Reply to this
Bob Grant (Jack) did sadly pass away in this way. He suffered from depression throughout his life and once went AWOL returning only when there was a public outcry and concern for his welfare. He seemed a lovely man in interviews, and like probably most of the cast of the 'buses', such heady heights they would have all experienced during the series run - it would have been hard to top that and get additional work.
Reply to this
I think there is an interview with Bob Grant after his disappearance thanking the public for their concern somewhere on you tube. It was some ago, however with any luck it's still there. Agree with Kiera he seemed some lovely in interviews (as did the entire cast) there is a Wogan special also wondering about - but sadly it isn't long enough, he doesn't give them chance to speak.
Reply to this
RIP Stan
Reply to this
loved this show, very sad news
Reply to this
bloody gutted too
Reply to this
great tribute
Reply to this