Nimmo, a notable individual, was born in the vibrant city of Liverpool, located in the county of Lancashire, England. His early years were marked by a formal education at Booker Avenue Infants and Junior School, which provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Following his elementary education, he progressed to Quarry Bank High School, where he further honed his skills and knowledge.
As his stage career began to take shape, Nimmo made his mark at the renowned Hippodrome Theatre in Bolton, Lancashire. It was here that he made a memorable cameo appearance in the iconic Beatles' film, A Hard Day's Night. His role as "Leslie Jackson", a magician with doves, showcased his versatility and talent as a performer.
Nimmo's subsequent career in British films and television series unfolded with him assuming aristocratic roles, his talent and charisma shining brightly as he took on starring parts in the television comedy series, The World of Wooster, where he brought to life the character of "Bingo Little", a role that showcased his exceptional comedic skills. Additionally, he appeared in the comedy film, One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing, where he played the esteemed "Lord Southmere", a character that further solidified his reputation as a master of his craft. Moreover, Nimmo's impressive range and versatility were also on full display in the James Bond spoof film, Casino Royale, where he made a memorable appearance, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Derek Nimmo's impressive career in television comedy was marked by his memorable portrayal of the Reverend Mervyn Noote in the iconic British sitcom All Gas and Gaiters, which premiered in 1966 and garnered widespread recognition for the talented actor.
Notably, the series was met with a mix of reactions from audiences and critics alike, with some finding its portrayal of senior churchmen engaging in various misadventures to be somewhat controversial. However, this bold approach ultimately served to solidify Nimmo's reputation as a quintessential British clergyman, embodying the traditional values and mannerisms of the profession.
Following his success in All Gas and Gaiters, Nimmo went on to play a bumbling monk in the BBC clerical sitcom Oh, Brother!, as well as its sequel series Oh, Father!, further showcasing his impressive range as a comedic actor. Additionally, he took on the role of a Roman Catholic priest, demonstrating his ability to convincingly portray characters from different Christian denominations.
Derek Nimmo's prolonged presence in sitcoms as a clergyman eventually resulted in his being inextricably linked to that specific role. He made appearances in the sitcom Hell's Bells, where he played the part of a dean, and also took on the starring role of Reverend Jonathan Green in a television production of Cluedo. The character of Derek Nimmo became so deeply ingrained in popular culture that he was even humorously lampooned in a 1975 episode of The Goodies, where a group of individuals masquerading as "teams of Derek Nimmos" participated in a tongue-in-cheek "Ecclesiastical Rugby Sevens" competition.