Eric Groves Longworth (20 July 1918 – 20 August 2008) was a British actor, best known for his semi-regular role in the BBC comedy Dad's Army as Mr. Gordon, the town clerk of Walmington-on-Sea.
Life and career
Longworth was born in Shaw and Crompton, Lancashire.[1][2] He had decided from an early age to become an actor, but had his hopes dashed when his father died and he had to help support the family. He was 17 at the time. Up to his call-up in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, which included a spell in Bombay, he had joined the Crompton Stage Society, a local amateur company, playing character parts to stall his ambitions.
After being demobbed he decided to turn professional, joining the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, and staying with them for 11 years.[2] He rose to become theatre manager at Oldham, and later became the manager of the old Guildford Theatre until 1963; at both theatres he continued to act, and occasionally direct, as well as managing. His first television appearance was in 1963, and he was usually cast as civil servants or retired colonels.
Longworth appeared in a 1972 episode of Lollipop written by Jimmy Perry, which could have led to his being chosen for the part of the Walmington-on-Sea Town Clerk. During the Dad's Army Stage Show, Longworth understudied (but, as he states, was thankfully never used for) Arthur Lowe. He also made a few films, and spent time flying around the globe visiting family, mixed in with the occasional voice over work, and appearances for the DAAS. He also appeared in another Jimmy Perry and David Croft sitcom Hi-de-Hi! as a Head Waiter. He was active from 1963 to 1996.
Longworth had been a regular at Dad's Army events over the years. His most recent public appearance was at the Dad's Army 40th Birthday celebrations at the Imperial War Museum in London shortly before his death.
Longworth died in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire on 20 August 2008, one month after his 90th birthday. His funeral was held on 5 September.[3]
