George Cole
George Cole was a highly respected actor, known for his versatile range, and charming on-screen presence. Born in 1925 in Tooting, South London, Cole began his career at the age of 14 as a child actor, and went on to have a prolific career in film, television, and stage over the next seven decades.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at George Cole’s life and career, exploring his upbringing, education, achievements, and the tragic events that ultimately led to his death.
Early Life and Education
George Cole was born on April 22, 1925, in Tooting, South London. He was the eldest of five siblings, and his parents were both amateur actors who worked in repertory theatre. Cole grew up in a household filled with creativity and love for the arts, and from an early age, he showed a natural talent for acting.
At the age of 14, Cole left school to pursue a career in acting full-time. He joined the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he honed his skills and began to make a name for himself in the industry.
Career Beginnings
Cole’s first professional acting role came in 1941, when he was cast as the lead in the film “The Thief of Bagdad”. He continued to work in films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, appearing in movies like “Fame Is the Spur” and “The Wicked Lady”.
In the 1960s, Cole began to transition to television work, and it was here that he truly began to make a name for himself. He starred in several popular television shows, including “The Saint” and “The Troubleshooters”, but it was his role as Arthur Daley in “Minder” that really cemented his status as a national treasure.
“Minder” was a hugely popular British television show that ran from 1979 to 1994. Cole played the lovable but slightly dodgy Arthur Daley, a used-car salesman and petty criminal who becomes involved in various schemes and scams. The show was a huge success, and Cole’s portrayal of Daley was widely praised for its wit, charm, and authenticity.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout his career, George Cole received numerous accolades and awards for his work. In 1992, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama, and in 2011, he was awarded the BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to British television.
Cole was also a respected stage actor, and he appeared in numerous productions over the course of his career. In 1980, he starred in the West End production of “Run for Your Wife”, which became the longest-running comedy in London theatre history.
Tragedy and Later Years
In 1992, George Cole suffered a devastating loss when his wife, actress Eileen Moore, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Cole was understandably heartbroken, but he continued to work in the years that followed, appearing in several television shows and films.
In his later years, Cole’s health began to decline, and he suffered several strokes that left him partially paralyzed. Despite these setbacks, he remained active in the industry and continued to act whenever he was able.
In 2015, George Cole passed away at the age of 90. His death was a huge loss for the entertainment industry, but his legacy lives on through his many memorable performances and the countless fans who continue to love and admire his work.
Conclusion
George Cole was a true talent, whose contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten. He was a versatile actor who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill.
George Cole-full biography/networth/family/tragedy and more
