Dad’s Army star Frank Williams, who played Timothy Farthing in classic BBC sitcom dead at 90

Actor Frank Williams, who was best known for playing Timothy Farthing in Dad’s Army, has died at the age of 90.

The star’s death was announced in a statement on his dedicated Facebook page, which read: ‘So sorry to say that our beloved friend, colleague and actor, Frank Williams, passed away this morning.

‘He was almost 91, and we are grateful for all the years of joy, laughter and happiness he brought to so many. Thank you Frank! x’

Frank died just six days short of his 91st birthday on 2 July. 

He appeared in similar roles to Reverend Timothy Farthing in the BBC television sitcom, as members of the clergy in You Rang, M’Lord? Hi-de-Hi!, What’s Up Nurse, The Worker and Vanity Fair.

Born in Hampstead Heath, north London in 1931, he went to school at Ardingly College in West Sussex as well as Hendon School – before beginning his career in acting at the Watford Palace Theatre.

This was his foot in the door to become part of one of Britain’s most legendary sitcoms, Dad’s Army, as the repertory theatre was run by the creator of the show, Jimmy Perry.

He once described his time in Dad’s Army as the ‘happiest period of his professional life’. 

First appearing in season three of the show, he went on to act in more than half of the series and also featured in Dad’s Army’s two feature films.

He was the second-last surviving cast member of the show – the only one still alive is Ian ‘Private Pike’ Lavender, 76. 

Usually referred to as The Vicar or His Reverence, Frank’s character Timothy Farthing was a well-meaning vicar of St Aldhelm’s Church, in Walmington-on-Sea, a fictional seaside resort in the south of England.

He appeared in similar roles to Reverend Timothy Farthing in the BBC television sitcom Dad’s Army (pictured), as members of the clergy in You Rang, M’Lord? Hi-de-Hi!, What’s Up Nurse, The Worker and Vanity Fair

Dad’s Army, being set in World War Two, Farthing looked to care for the ‘spiritual needs of his parishioners’ despite setbacks like sharing his church hall with main character George Mainwaring.

Bank manager Mainwaring appointed himself as the leader of the local Home Guard military unit, made up of the town’s local men to come together and join the British Army. 

As he was neither part of the Home Guard or the ARP Wardens, who patrolled the streets during blackout periods to ensure no light was visible from homes, he was portrayed as a ‘spiritual’ and ‘learned’ man who took care of locals.

But despite being a religious figure rather than a military man, he often found himself amongst the Walmington-on-Sea platoon – and his archery hobby comes in handy when his skill rescues him and his men in one episode.

Dad’s Army, being set in World War Two, Farthing (right) looked to care for the ‘spiritual needs of his parishioners’ despite setbacks like sharing his church hall with main character George Mainwaring

The veteran actor in Dad’s Army, which first aired in 1968 and ended in 1977 after its ninth season, said ‘there was a feeling that season nine would be our last’ after arriving in the rehearsal room

The veteran actor in Dad’s Army, which first aired in 1968 and ended in 1977 after its ninth season, said ‘there was a feeling that season nine would be our last’ after arriving in the rehearsal room.

In an interview ahead of his 90th birthday, which he celebrated at an event in Leicester Square Theatre last July, Frank said: ‘Initially, I thought it was for just one episode but the character became a regular.

‘I ended up appearing in 39 of the 80 TV episodes, the original film, stage show and 14 radio episodes. It’s hard to believe that I’m celebrating that milestone.’

In an interview ahead of his 90th birthday, which he celebrated at an event in Leicester Square Theatre last July, Frank said: ‘Initially, I thought it was for just one episode but the character became a regular’ (pictured in 2016)

Frank revealed that he had macular degeneration, which affects your sight, describing it as ‘irritating’ but manageable. He was partially sighted and used a stick towards the end of his life.

‘Sadly I can’t read any more so I listen to audiobooks. When it comes to watching TV, I have to sit close to the set but I still ll enjoy seeing the episodes ­whenever they’re shown.

‘All the characters are funny and appeal to people of all ages, including children. Once, a friend told me that his three-year-old granddaughter liked Dad’s Army more than Postman Pat.’