And now RIP Andrew Sachs...

Posted by: Eloise on 02 December 2016

As 2016 comes to an end we say goodbye to yet another cultural icon.

The actor Andrew Sachs, who played Manuel in the comedy series Fawlty Towers, has died aged 86.  His wife, Melody, revealed that he died in a care home last week after suffering from vascular dementia for four years.

 

Posted on: 02 December 2016 by DrMark

A great show - Cleese' more than fitting follow up to Monty Python. And Sachs was masterful in his role as Manuel.

Posted on: 02 December 2016 by Dungassin

Que?  I know nothing ...

Will be sadly missed.  RIP

Posted on: 02 December 2016 by james n

On many levels, 2016's not been a good year.

Posted on: 02 December 2016 by Hmack

One of the greatest comic icons in British television. A character created by the wonderful John Cleese (and Connie Booth), but brought to life magnificently by Andrew Sachs.

By all accounts, a truly humble and 'nice' human being as well - RIP.  

Posted on: 02 December 2016 by wenger2015

Likewise I have many happy memories watching Fawlty Towers...in the good old days of either watching on the night or missing the episode all together,  before the days of video recorders....

Posted on: 03 December 2016 by Southweststokie

Last night the BBC broadcast what in my opinion is one of the finest pieces of comedy ever written and portrayed, the episode of Fawlty Towers with Mrs Richards, the obnoxious deaf guest. For me in that sketch not a single line of dialogue is wasted. Pure brilliance.

RIP Andrew Sachs, no one could have portrayed Manuel better.

 

Posted on: 03 December 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

My best Manuel moment was the Siberian Hamster episode .. brilliant.

Posted on: 03 December 2016 by Southweststokie
Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

My best Manuel moment was the Siberian Hamster episode .. brilliant.

I think you'll find that was a 'Siberian Filigree Hamster' if you watch the episode again. I'm sure he says filigree instead of pedigree. I agree another excellent episode.

Posted on: 03 December 2016 by Southweststokie
Southweststokie posted:
Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

My best Manuel moment was the Siberian Hamster episode .. brilliant.

I think you'll find that was a 'Siberian Filigree Hamster' if you watch the episode again. I'm sure he says filigree instead of pedigree. I agree another excellent episode.

Sorry, should read 'Filigree Siberian Hamster'

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by Paul Davies
Southweststokie posted:
Southweststokie posted:
Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

My best Manuel moment was the Siberian Hamster episode .. brilliant.

I think you'll find that was a 'Siberian Filigree Hamster' if you watch the episode again. I'm sure he says filigree instead of pedigree. I agree another excellent episode.

Sorry, should read 'Filigree Siberian Hamster'

Hamsters are cuddly, Manuel. Cuddle that and you'll never play the guitar again.

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by nigelb

Yes, British comedy at its absolute finest.

I am sure some of you know that Faulty Towers and the character of Basil was inspired by Cleese's visit to a real Hotel. I think he was with the Monty Pyton team at the time. So intrigued was Cleese by the real hapless (and irritable) Hotel manager that he stayed on to observe him and no doubt take notes.

RIP Andrew.

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by Eloise
nigelb posted:

Yes, British comedy at its absolute finest.

I am sure some of you know that Faulty Towers and the character of Basil was inspired by Cleese's visit to a real Hotel. I think he was with the Monty Pyton team at the time. So intrigued was Cleese by the real hapless (and irritable) Hotel manager that he stayed on to observe him and no doubt take notes.

RIP Andrew.

The Hotel Gleneagles pulled down earlier in 2016 ... RIP (the real) Fawlty Towers.