Leonard, a seasoned thespian, had been pursuing his acting career since the tender age of 16, with a brief interruption to serve in the war. However, in 1979, his life took a dramatic turn when, while rehearsing for a production at the esteemed Old Vic in Bristol, he suddenly fell gravely ill and narrowly escaped death. Medical professionals later discovered that he was suffering from hypertension, a condition that was causing him to experience dizziness and frequent episodes of somnolence, leading to repeated instances of loss of balance and sudden, uncontrollable sleepiness.
The aftermath of this health crisis was a prolonged and arduous 18-month period during which Leonard was unable to return to his craft, a situation that he found particularly difficult to cope with, given his intense dedication to his work and his aversion to taking time off, let alone vacations. Despite this setback, Leonard's remarkable talent and enduring popularity would ultimately endure, cementing his iconic status as the beloved character, Grandad, in the beloved British sitcom, Only Fools and Horses.
