LONDON - Bernard Crippens, the beloved British artist whose seven-decade career ranged from
punk comedies "Carrie On" to children's television and "Doctor Who", has died. He was 93 years old.
Agent Gavin Parker Associates announced Crippens' death Thursday.
"Barnard's contribution to British entertainment is beyond doubt," she said. "He was unique, representing the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."
An actor of a warm and unfamiliar character, Cribbins has been a childhood presence for several generations of Britons. He played Porter Berks in the 1970 classic film The Railway Children and voiced all the characters in "The Wombles," a 1970s animated series about a family of burrowing creatures living in the shadow of London's Wimbledon Common.
Crippens has also been the voice of road safety squirrel Tufty Fluffytail in a series of public information films, and has set the record for most appearances — over 100 — on the children's television series "Jackanory."
Born to a poor family in Oldham, northwest England, in 1928, Crippens left school in his early teens and began working as a stage manager and bit player at the Regional Repertory Theatre.
He moved on to West End productions before appearing in a dizzying array of British films, including the 1960 comedy "Two-Way Stretch" alongside Peter Sellers. 1966 "Doctor Who" Spinoff "Dalex Conquest of Earth 2150 AD"; James Bond satirical movie "Casino Royale" 1967; And one of Alfred Hitchcock's last thrillers, "Rampage" in 1972.
He appeared in several films in the series "Carry On", was a featured guest on the classic sitcom "Fawlty Towers" and earned Top 10 comedy hits "Hole in the Ground" and "Right Said Fred".
The younger generation knew the Cribbins as Wilfred Mott, Doctor David Tennant's honorary companion, when "Doctor Who" was revived in the early 2000s. He appeared in another BBC children's series, "Old Jack's Boat," between 2013 and 2015, and filmed scenes earlier this year for the 60th anniversary of the upcoming "Doctor Who."
Showrunner "Doctor Who" remembered Russell T Davis Crippens as a "terrific actor".
“I am so lucky to have known him,” Davis said. “Thanks for everything, old soldier. A legend who left the world.”
Crippens' wife of 66 years, Jill, passed away last year.