Peter Sallis

Biography

Peter Sallis, OBE (February 1, 1921 – June 2, 2017), was a celebrated English actor renowned for his contributions to British television. Born in Twickenham, Middlesex, Sallis was the only child of bank manager Harry Sallis and Dorothy Amea Frances Barnard. Although he grew up in London, he became famous for his portrayals of Northern characters, showcasing his impressive ability to adopt diverse accents.

Sallis's breakthrough role came in 1958 when he starred as Samuel Pepys in the BBC series The Diary of Samuel Pepys. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his iconic character Norman Clegg in the beloved comedy Last of the Summer Wine, which aired from 1973 to 2010. He was the longest-serving cast member, featuring in all 295 episodes and remaining the last original member by the show's conclusion. He also reprised his role as Clegg's father in the prequel series, First of the Summer Wine.

Additionally, Sallis lent his voice to the endearing Wallace in the Wallace and Gromit films, further solidifying his status in the entertainment industry. His vocal talents were also showcased in the animated series The Wind in the Willows (1984-1990) as Rat/Ratty.

Sallis's personal life included a marriage to Elaine Usher from 1957 to 1965, followed by a reconciliation until her passing in 2014. Together, they had one son, Crispian, who became an art director, and Sallis cherished his life with three small cats in his cottage.