| Sid James was a large part of my early TV life, with his 'Carry
On' films and TV shows. He crumpled face was a favourite on UK TV
over the years, and reputedly chased just about every female that he
worked with! The biography below is from
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0416228/
Best known for his gruff manner, his preposterous looks and his
filthy cackle. Key roles included: Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond in "Carry
On Up The Khyber", Sid Boggle in "Carry On Camping" and Henry VIII
in "Carry On Henry".
A South African-born former hairdresser, he was a
prodigiously hard worker - just as well, since he was a chronic
gambler who borrowed from friends (usually without repaying them),
and was invariably in debt to the Inland Revenue (The UK equivalent
of the IRS).
With Kenneth Williams, he was the best paid "Carry On" actor,
earning £5000 per film. In 1976, at the age of 62, he had a heart
attack on the opening night of "The Mating Season" at the Sunderland
Empire, and died on the way to the hospital.
He had a well known three year affair with Barbara Windsor who is
now starring in 'Eastenders' on the BBC.
One of my favourite series on TV was 'Bless this House', and Sid
made me laugh out loud many, many times
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