Yes Minister and Casualty star John Nettleton dies
Yes Minister star John Nettleton has died aged 94, his agent has announced today.
The actor was best known for portraying Sir Arnold Robinson in the political satire sitcom and in its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister, in the 1980s as well as having a cameo in an episode of BBC’s Casualty back in 2006.
A statement from his agent, Scott Marshall Partners, shared with the PA news agency said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client and much-loved stage and screen actor John Nettleton at the age of 94.
“He is survived by his wife Deirdre, three children and five grandchildren.”
The late actor who was born in Lewisham, southeast London had a varied television career with credits including a role of a Conservative MP in the sitcom, The New Statesman.
Elsewhere, he made brief appearances in Midsomer Murders back in 2005, appearing in one episode before he appeared on The Bill in the same year.
Just two years later, John made an appearance as Sam Bradshaw in the TV series Foyles War. He also had a role in Doctor Who, playing Reverend Ernest Matthews for two episodes in 1989 while also starring as Pongo Little in the series, Her Majesty’s Pleasure.
John was best known for his role in Yes Minster (
BBC)
Meanwhile, in 1975, he starred as the head waiter in the movie, All Creatures Great and Small, alongside the likes of Simon Ward, Anthony Hopkins and Freddie Jones.
Comedy dramas Kingdom and Brass are also among his show billings as well as 1987’s East Of Ipswich, which was written by Sir Michael Palin.
Nettleton also turned his hand to the world of theatre, featuring in numerous productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Old Vic.
His theatre work also includes Harley Granville-Barker’s The Voysey Inheritance and an adaptation of The Wind In The Willows at the National Theatre.
In the 1960s and 1970s, John also had the role of reading several illustrated stories on the BBC[1] programme, Blue Peter, which were often about historical subjects including Florence Nightingale.
However, his last role was secured in 2010 when he took on the narrator of The Kingdom and the Beast, two years after playing Mr Macavoy in the TV series Kingdom alongside Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Hermoine Norris and Phyllida Law.
Fans have now taken to social media to share their condolences, with one writing: “Some sad news today. RIP John Nettleton.”
“Yes Minister actor John Nettleton dies at 94, rest in peace”, said a second. While a third tweeted: “RIP John Nettleton ‘Sir Arnold’ #yesminister.”