John Rutland was a renowned British character actor, renowned for his versatility and prolific career spanning multiple mediums.
Born on August 31st, 1916, in Southwark, London, England, Rutland's early life laid the foundation for his future success.
Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the world of theatre, film, and television, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor.
Some of his most notable film appearances include The Hostage (1956),Take Me Over (1963),Calculated Risk (1963),Quatermass and the Pit (1967),Chariots of Fire (1981),and Memoirs of a Survivor (1981).
On television, Rutland collaborated with prominent comedians Dick Emery and The Two Ronnies in the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various comedic styles.
He also made memorable appearances in the long-running ITV police drama series The Bill, playing four different characters, and in the BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo, where he portrayed a clock repairer in a single episode.
In the 1990s, Rutland appeared in several episodes of the popular children's television show Chucklevision, showcasing his ability to connect with a younger audience.
On stage, he appeared in the 1998 production of More Work for the Undertaker at the Players' Theatre, Covent Garden.
Rutland's most notable television role was as Mrs. Warboys' (Doreen Mantle) cousin Wilf in the successful sitcom One Foot in the Grave, a character he reprised in the final series of the show in 2000.
Tragically, his final television appearance was marked by a poignant storyline, as his character Wilf was unable to speak due to a stroke, a reflection of Rutland's own health struggles at the time.
Sadly, John Rutland passed away on June 1st, 2013, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and dedicated actor.
