Likely Lad Rodney Bewes bows out just days short of his 80th birthday
0 Rodney Bewes was described as a true ‘one-off’ The Likely Lads star Rodney Bewes has died aged 79, a week before his birthday.
The actor - best known for his role as Bob Ferris in the 60s BBC sitcom and its 70s sequel, Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - died on yesterday morning.
His agent Michelle Braidman described him as a “true one off”, in a statement on Twitter. She added: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that our dear client, the much loved actor Rodney Bewes, passed away this morning.
“We will miss his charm and ready wit.”
B ewes ,79, would have turned 80 on November 27 and is survived by his four children, Billy, Joe, Tom, and Daisy, and two grandchildren Oscar and Eliza.
As Bob, he would often ponder the merits of beer and birds opposite James Bolam who played loveable sponger Terry Collier in the sitcom and its sequel which drew audiences of up to 27 million.
But off-screen the pair endured a stormy relationship with them eventually not speaking for decades.
Brigit Forsyth, as Bob’s fiancee and eventual girlfriend, also featured in the series which drew stars such as Joan Hickson, Bill Owen, Christopher Biggins, and Anita Carey as recurring cast members. In 1984 he earned a Doctor Who credit for a leading role during Peter Davison’s run as the Time Lord. He portrayed a humanoid named Stien in Resurrection Of The Daleks which aired during the sci-fi show’s 21st series.
Bewes was born in Bingley, Yorkshire, and childhood asthma meant he was confined to the house until the age of 12 but two years later he secured his first professional role and he eventually went to London to study drama at Rada. Fellow stars paid tribute. Comedian Jack Dee writing on Twitter said: “RIP Rodney Bewes. Likely Lads one of THE great sitcoms.”
Writer and Radio DJ Danny Baker wrote: “Rodney Bewes has died. What a dreadful bit of news. See ya, kidda.”
Married to Daphne Black in 1973, he is survived by his four children Billy, Joe, Tom and Daisy.