WALLACE & GONNIT
Actor Peter dies at 96
PETER Sallis – the voice of the wacky inventor in the Oscarwinning Wallace And Gromit animation films – has died at the age of 96.
His agent confirmed he passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Apart from his role with Aardman Animation, Sallis is best-known for playing Norman “Cleggy” Clegg in BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine.
He is the only actor to appear in all 295 episodes of the Yorkshire-based comedy from 1973 to 2010.
Comic Paddy McGuinness led the tributes to the actor, writing on Twitter: “RIP the great Peter Sallis. #CrackingToast.”
Another fan added: “Farewell to the great Peter Sallis.
“Whenever we nibble some Wensleydale, let us gaze at the moon and imagine him waving back.”
The actor helped Wallace And Gromit to scoop two animation ® Oscars with The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave. He said of the success: “It is pleasing knowing millions are going to see your work and enjoy it. “To still be involved in a project like this at my age is heart-warming.” Wallace And Gromit creator Nick Park said: “Working with Peter was always a delight and I will miss his wry, unpredictable humour and silliness. “That started the moment he greeted you at the door, and didn’t stop when the mic was switched off. “He had naturally funny bones and was a great storyteller and raconteur off-stage too, and would keep us amused for hours. “When I look back I’m so blessed and fortunate that he had the generosity of spirit to help out a poor film school student back in the early 1980s. “Neither of us had any idea what Wallace and Gromit might become.”